reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 255 - Regulating Political Advertising and Campaign Communications › Section 255.0031. Unlawful Use of Internal Mail System for Political Advertising

Sec. 255.0031.  UNLAWFUL USE OF INTERNAL MAIL SYSTEM FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING.  (a)  An officer or employee of a state agency or political subdivision may not knowingly use or authorize the use of an internal mail system for the distribution of political advertising.
(b)  Subsection (a) does not apply to:
(1)  the use of an internal mail system to distribute political advertising that is delivered to the premises of a state agency or political subdivision through the United States Postal Service;  or
(2)  the use of an internal mail system by a state agency or municipality to distribute political advertising that is the subject of or related to an investigation, hearing, or other official proceeding of the agency or municipality.
(c)  A person who violates this section commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d)  In this section:
(1)  "Internal mail system" means a system operated by a state agency or political subdivision to deliver written documents to officers or employees of the agency or subdivision.
(2)  "State agency" means:
(A)  a department, commission, board, office, or other agency that is in the legislative, executive, or judicial branch of state government;
(B)  a university system or an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code;  or
(C)  a river authority created under the constitution or a statute of this state.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 229, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 255 - Regulating Political Advertising and Campaign Communications › Section 255.004. True Source of Communication

Sec. 255.004.  TRUE SOURCE OF COMMUNICATION.  (a)  A person commits an offense if, with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of an election, the person enters into a contract or other agreement to print, publish, or broadcast political advertising that purports to emanate from a source other than its true source.
(b)  A person commits an offense if, with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of an election, the person knowingly represents in a campaign communication that the communication emanates from a source other than its true source.
(c)  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d)  A person commits an offense if the person, with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of an election:
(1)  creates a deep fake video; and
(2)  causes the deep fake video to be published or distributed within 30 days of an election.
(e)  In this section, "deep fake video" means a video, created with the intent to deceive, that appears to depict a real person performing an action that did not occur in reality.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1339 (S.B. 751), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 255 - Regulating Political Advertising and Campaign Communications › Section 255.005. Misrepresentation of Identity

Sec. 255.005.  MISREPRESENTATION OF IDENTITY.  (a)  A person commits an offense if, with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of an election, the person misrepresents the person's identity or, if acting or purporting to act as an agent, misrepresents the identity of the agent's principal, in political advertising or a campaign communication.
(b)  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 249, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 255 - Regulating Political Advertising and Campaign Communications › Section 255.006. Misleading Use of Office Title

Sec. 255.006.  MISLEADING USE OF OFFICE TITLE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person knowingly enters into a contract or other agreement to print, publish, or broadcast political advertising with the intent to represent to an ordinary and prudent person that a candidate holds a public office that the candidate does not hold at the time the agreement is made.
(b)  A person commits an offense if the person knowingly represents in a campaign communication that a candidate holds a public office that the candidate does not hold at the time the representation is made.
(c)  For purposes of this section, a person represents that a candidate holds a public office that the candidate does not hold if:
(1)  the candidate does not hold the office that the candidate seeks;  and
(2)  the political advertising or campaign communication states the public office sought but does not include the word "for" in a type size that is at least one-half the type size used for the name of the office to clarify that the candidate does not hold that office.
(d)  A person other than an officeholder commits an offense if the person knowingly uses a representation of the state seal in political advertising.
(e)  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 300, Sec. 30, eff. Aug. 30, 1993;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 250, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1134, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 5.17, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 737, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 255 - Regulating Political Advertising and Campaign Communications › Section 255.008. Disclosure on Political Advertising for Judicial Office

Sec. 255.008.  DISCLOSURE ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING FOR JUDICIAL OFFICE.  (a)  This section applies only to a candidate or political committee covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253.
(b)  Political advertising by a candidate who files a declaration of intent to comply with the limits on expenditures under Subchapter F, Chapter 253, or a specific-purpose committee for supporting such a candidate may include the following statement:  "Political advertising paid for by (name of candidate or committee) in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act."
(c)  Political advertising by a candidate who files a declaration of intent to comply with the limits on expenditures under Subchapter F, Chapter 253, or a specific-purpose committee for supporting such a candidate that does not contain the statement prescribed by Subsection (b) must comply with Section 255.001.
(d)  Political advertising by a candidate who files a declaration of intent to exceed the limits on expenditures under Subchapter F, Chapter 253, or a specific-purpose committee for supporting such a candidate must include the following statement:  "Political advertising paid for by (name of candidate or committee), (who or which) has rejected the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act."
(e)  The commission shall adopt rules providing for:
(1)  the minimum size of the disclosure required by this section in political advertising that appears on television or in writing;  and
(2)  the minimum duration of the disclosure required by this section in political advertising that appears on television or radio.
(f)  A person who violates this section or a rule adopted under this section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed:
(1)  $15,000, for a candidate for a statewide judicial office or a specific-purpose committee for supporting such a candidate;
(2)  $10,000, for a candidate for chief justice or justice, court of appeals, or a specific-purpose committee for supporting such a candidate;  or
(3)  $5,000, for a candidate for any other judicial office covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253, or a specific-purpose committee for supporting such a candidate.
(g)  Section 253.176 applies to the imposition and disposition of a civil penalty under this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 257 - Political Parties › Section 257.001. Principal Political Committee of Political Party

Sec. 257.001.  PRINCIPAL POLITICAL COMMITTEE OF POLITICAL PARTY.  The state or county executive committee of a political party may designate a general-purpose committee as the principal political committee for that party in the state or county, as applicable.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.19, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 257 - Political Parties › Section 257.002. Requirements Relating to Corporate or Labor Union Contributions

Sec. 257.002.  REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO CORPORATE OR LABOR UNION CONTRIBUTIONS.  (a)  A political party that accepts a contribution authorized by Section 253.104 may use the contribution only to:
(1)  defray normal overhead and administrative or operating costs incurred by the party;  or
(2)  administer a primary election or convention held by the party.
(b)  A political party that accepts contributions authorized by Section 253.104 shall maintain the contributions in a separate account.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.19, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 257 - Political Parties › Section 257.003. Report Required

Sec. 257.003.  REPORT REQUIRED.  (a)  A political party that accepts contributions authorized by Section 253.104 shall report all contributions and expenditures made to and from the account required by Section 257.002.
(b)  The report must be filed with the commission and must include the information required under Section 254.031 as if the contributions or expenditures were political contributions or political expenditures.
(c)  Sections 254.001 and 254.032-254.037 apply to a report required by this section as if the party chair were a campaign treasurer of a political committee and as if the contributions or expenditures were political contributions or political expenditures.
(d)  The commission shall prescribe by rule reporting schedules for each primary election held by the political party and for the general election for state and county officers.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.19, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 251, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 257 - Political Parties › Section 257.004. Restrictions on Contributions Before General Election

Sec. 257.004.  RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS BEFORE GENERAL ELECTION.  (a)  Beginning on the 60th day before the date of the general election for state and county officers and continuing through the day of the election, a political party may not knowingly accept a contribution authorized by Section 253.104 or make an expenditure from the account required by Section 257.002.
(b)  A person who violates this section commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.19, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 257 - Political Parties › Section 257.005. Candidate for State or County Chair of Political Party

Sec. 257.005.  CANDIDATE FOR STATE OR COUNTY CHAIR OF POLITICAL PARTY.  (a)  Except as provided by this section, the following are subject to the requirements of this title that apply to a candidate for public office:
(1)  a candidate for state chair of a political party with a nominee on the ballot in the most recent gubernatorial general election;  and
(2)  a candidate for election to the office of county chair of a political party with a nominee on the ballot in the most recent gubernatorial general election if the county has a population of 350,000 or more.
(b)  A political committee that supports or opposes a candidate covered by Subsection (a) is subject to the provisions of this title that apply to any other committee that supports or opposes candidates for public office, except as provided by this section.
(c)  The reporting schedules for a candidate covered by Subsection (a) or a political committee supporting or opposing the candidate shall be prescribed by commission rule.
(d)  Except as provided by this section, each contribution to and expenditure by a candidate covered by Subsection (a) is subject to the same requirements of this title as a political contribution to or a political expenditure by a candidate for public office.  Each contribution to and expenditure by a political committee supporting or opposing a candidate covered by Subsection (a) is subject to the same requirements of this title as a political contribution to or political expenditure by any other specific-purpose committee.
(e)  Section 251.001(1) does not apply to this section.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.19, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 252, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.24, 2.25, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 257 - Political Parties › Section 257.006. Criminal Penalty for Failure to Comply

Sec. 257.006.  CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY.  (a)  Except as provided by Section 257.004, a person who knowingly uses a contribution in violation of Section 257.002 or who knowingly fails to otherwise comply with this chapter commits an offense.
(b)  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.19, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 257 - Political Parties › Section 257.007. Rules

Sec. 257.007.  RULES.  The commission shall adopt rules to implement this chapter.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.19, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 258 - Fair Campaign Practices › Section 258.001. Short Title

Sec. 258.001.  SHORT TITLE.  This chapter may be cited as the Fair Campaign Practices Act.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 258 - Fair Campaign Practices › Section 258.002. Purpose

Sec. 258.002.  PURPOSE.  (a)  The purpose of this chapter is to encourage every candidate and political committee to subscribe to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices.
(b)  It is the intent of the legislature that every candidate and political committee that subscribes to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices will follow the basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play to encourage healthy competition and open discussion of issues and candidate qualifications and to discourage practices that cloud the issues or unfairly attack opponents.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 258 - Fair Campaign Practices › Section 258.003. Delivery of Copy of Code

Sec. 258.003.  DELIVERY OF COPY OF CODE.  (a)  When a candidate or political committee files its campaign treasurer appointment, the authority with whom the appointment is filed shall give the candidate or political committee a blank form of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices and a copy of this chapter.
(b)  The authority shall inform each candidate or political committee that the candidate or committee may subscribe to and file the code with the authority and that subscription to the code is voluntary.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 258 - Fair Campaign Practices › Section 258.004. Text of Code

Sec. 258.004.  TEXT OF CODE.  The Code of Fair Campaign Practices reads as follows:
CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play that every candidate and political committee in this state has a moral obligation to observe and uphold, in order that, after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaigns, our citizens may exercise their constitutional rights to a free and untrammeled choice and the will of the people may be fully and clearly expressed on the issues.
THEREFORE:
(1)  I will conduct the campaign openly and publicly and limit attacks on my opponent to legitimate challenges to my opponent's record and stated positions on issues.
(2)  I will not use or permit the use of character defamation, whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate or the candidate's personal or family life.
(3)  I will not use or permit any appeal to negative prejudice based on race, sex, religion, or national origin.
(4)  I will not use campaign material of any sort that misrepresents, distorts, or otherwise falsifies the facts, nor will I use malicious or unfounded accusations that aim at creating or exploiting doubts, without justification, as to the personal integrity or patriotism of my opponent.
(5)  I will not undertake or condone any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our system of free elections or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters, including any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.
(6)  I will defend and uphold the right of every qualified voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process, and will not engage in any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.
(7)  I will immediately and publicly repudiate methods and tactics that may come from others that I have pledged not to use or condone.  I shall take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this code or the laws governing elections.
I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the State of Texas or campaign treasurer of a political committee, hereby voluntarily endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct the campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices.
______________
____________________
Date
Signature
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 258 - Fair Campaign Practices › Section 258.005. Forms

Sec. 258.005.  FORMS.  The commission shall print copies of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices and shall supply the forms to the authorities with whom copies of the code may be filed in quantities and at times requested by the authorities.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 258 - Fair Campaign Practices › Section 258.006. Acceptance and Preservation of Copies

Sec. 258.006.  ACCEPTANCE AND PRESERVATION OF COPIES.  (a)  An authority with whom a campaign treasurer appointment is filed shall accept each completed copy of the code submitted to the authority that is properly subscribed to by a candidate or the campaign treasurer of a political committee.
(b)  Each copy of the code accepted under this section shall be preserved by the authority with whom it is filed for the period prescribed for the filer's campaign treasurer appointment.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 258 - Fair Campaign Practices › Section 258.007. Subscription to Code Voluntary

Sec. 258.007.  SUBSCRIPTION TO CODE VOLUNTARY.  The subscription to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices by a candidate or a political committee is voluntary.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 258 - Fair Campaign Practices › Section 258.008. Indication on Political Advertising

Sec. 258.008.  INDICATION ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING.  A candidate or a political committee that has filed a copy of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices may so indicate on political advertising in a form to be determined by the commission.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 258 - Fair Campaign Practices › Section 258.009. Civil Cause of Action

Sec. 258.009.  CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION.  This chapter does not create a civil cause of action for recovery of damages or for enforcement of this chapter.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 259 - Political Signs › Section 259.001. Notice Requirement on Political Advertising Signs

Sec. 259.001.  NOTICE REQUIREMENT ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING SIGNS.  (a)  The following notice must be written on each political advertising sign:
"NOTICE:  IT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW (CHAPTERS 392 AND 393, TRANSPORTATION CODE), TO PLACE THIS SIGN IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF A HIGHWAY."
(b)  A person commits an offense if the person:
(1)  knowingly enters into a contract to print or make a political advertising sign that does not contain the notice required by Subsection (a); or
(2)  instructs another person to place a political advertising sign that does not contain the notice required by Subsection (a).
(c)  An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(d)  It is an exception to the application of Subsection (b) that the political advertising sign was printed or made before September 1, 1997, and complied with Subsection (a) as it existed immediately before that date.
(e)  In this section, "political advertising sign" means a written form of political advertising designed to be seen from a road but does not include a bumper sticker.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 288, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1134, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1349, Sec. 71, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Transferred and redesignated from Election Code, Section 255.007 by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 824 (H.B. 2554), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 259 - Political Signs › Section 259.002. Regulation of Display of Political Signs by Property Owners' Association

Sec. 259.002.  REGULATION OF DISPLAY OF POLITICAL SIGNS BY PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION.  (a)  In this section, "property owners' association" has the meaning assigned by Section 202.001, Property Code.
(b)  Except as otherwise provided by this section, a property owners' association may not enforce or adopt a restrictive covenant that prohibits a property owner from displaying on the owner's property one or more signs advertising a candidate or measure for an election:
(1)  on or after the 90th day before the date of the election to which the sign relates; or
(2)  before the 10th day after that election date.
(c)  This section does not prohibit the enforcement or adoption of a covenant that:
(1)  requires a sign to be ground-mounted; or
(2)  limits a property owner to displaying only one sign for each candidate or measure.
(d)  This section does not prohibit the enforcement or adoption of a covenant that prohibits a sign that:
(1)  contains roofing material, siding, paving materials, flora, one or more balloons or lights, or any other similar building, landscaping, or nonstandard decorative component;
(2)  is attached in any way to plant material, a traffic control device, a light, a trailer, a vehicle, or any other existing structure or object;
(3)  includes the painting of architectural surfaces;
(4)  threatens the public health or safety;
(5)  is larger than four feet by six feet;
(6)  violates a law;
(7)  contains language, graphics, or any display that would be offensive to the ordinary person; or
(8)  is accompanied by music or other sounds or by streamers or is otherwise distracting to motorists.
(e)  A property owners' association may remove a sign displayed in violation of a restrictive covenant permitted by this section.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1010 (H.B. 873), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2005.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Property Code, Section 202.009 by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 824 (H.B. 2554), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 259 - Political Signs › Section 259.003. Regulation of Political Signs by Municipality

Sec. 259.003.  REGULATION OF POLITICAL SIGNS BY MUNICIPALITY.  (a)  In this section, "private real property" does not include real property subject to an easement or other encumbrance that allows a  municipality to use the property for a public purpose.
(b)  A municipal charter provision or ordinance that regulates signs may not, for a sign that contains primarily a political message and that is located on private real property with the consent of the property owner:
(1)  prohibit the sign from being placed;
(2)  require a permit or approval of the municipality or impose a fee for the sign to be placed;
(3)  restrict the size of the sign; or
(4)  provide for a charge for the removal of a political sign that is greater than the charge for removal of other signs regulated by ordinance.
(c)  Subsection (b) does not apply to a sign, including a billboard, that contains primarily a political message on a temporary basis and that is generally available for rent or purchase to carry commercial advertising or other messages that are not primarily political.
(d)  Subsection (b) does not apply to a sign that:
(1)  has an effective area greater than 36 feet;
(2)  is more than eight feet high;
(3)  is illuminated; or
(4)  has any moving elements.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1004, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Transferred and redesignated from Local Government Code, Section 216.903 by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 824 (H.B. 2554), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.001. Applicability of Other Parts of Code

Sec. 271.001.  APPLICABILITY OF OTHER PARTS OF CODE.  The other titles of this code apply to a joint election except provisions that are inconsistent with this chapter or that cannot feasibly be applied to a joint election.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.002. Joint Elections Authorized

Sec. 271.002.  JOINT ELECTIONS AUTHORIZED.  (a)  If the elections ordered by the authorities of two or more political subdivisions are to be held on the same day in all or part of the same county, the governing bodies of the political subdivisions may enter into an agreement to hold the elections jointly in the election precincts that can be served by common polling places, subject to Section 271.003.
(b)  If an election ordered by the governor and the elections ordered by the authorities of one or more political subdivisions are to be held on the same day in all or part of the same county, the commissioners court of a county in which the election ordered by the governor is to be held and the governing bodies of the other political subdivisions may enter into an agreement to hold the elections jointly in the election precincts that can be served by common polling places, subject to Section 271.003.
(c)  If another law requires two or more political subdivisions to hold a joint election, the governing body of any other political subdivision holding an election on the same day in all or part of the same county in which the joint election is to be held may enter into an agreement to participate in the joint election with the governing bodies of the political subdivisions holding the joint election.
(d)  The terms of a joint election agreement must be stated in an order, resolution, or other official action adopted by the governing body of each participating political subdivision.
(e)  The document containing the joint election agreement shall be preserved for the period for preserving the precinct election records.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1235 (S.B. 1970), Sec. 24, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.003. Location of Common Polling Place

Sec. 271.003.  LOCATION OF COMMON POLLING PLACE.  (a)  A regular county polling place may be used for a common polling place in a joint election.
(b)  The voters of a particular election precinct or political subdivision may be served in a joint election by a common polling place located outside the boundary of the election precinct or political subdivision if the location can adequately and conveniently serve the affected voters and will facilitate the orderly conduct of the election.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1350, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.004. Allocation of Election Expenses

Sec. 271.004.  ALLOCATION OF ELECTION EXPENSES.  The expenses of a joint election are allocated as provided by the joint election agreement.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.005. Election Officers

Sec. 271.005.  ELECTION OFFICERS.  (a)  An election officer for a joint election may be appointed to serve more than one of the participating political subdivisions.
(b)  A person who is eligible to serve as an election officer in an election of any participating political subdivision is eligible to serve in the same office in a joint election.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.006. Early Voting

Sec. 271.006.  EARLY VOTING.  (a)  The governing bodies of the political subdivisions participating in a joint election shall decide whether to conduct their early voting jointly.  The governing bodies that decide to conduct joint early voting shall appoint one of their early voting clerks as the early voting clerk for the joint early voting.
(b)  The joint early voting shall be conducted at the early voting polling place or places at which and during the hours, including any extended or weekend hours, that the early voting clerk regularly conducts early voting for the clerk's political subdivision.
(c)  The regular early voting clerk for each political subdivision participating in the joint early voting shall receive applications for early voting ballots to be voted by mail in accordance with Title 7. The remaining procedures for conducting the political subdivision's early voting by mail shall be completed by the regular early voting clerk or by the early voting clerk for the joint early voting, at the discretion of the governing body of each political subdivision participating in the joint early voting.
(d)  If a governing body decides not to participate in the joint early voting, the early voting for that political subdivision shall be conducted in accordance with Title 7, except that the early voting may be conducted at common polling places.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 203, Sec. 2.72;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 554, Sec. 43, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 728, Sec. 77, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.007. Ballot

Sec. 271.007.  BALLOT.  A single ballot containing all the offices or propositions stating measures to be voted on at a particular polling place may be used in a joint election.  A voter may not be permitted to select a ballot containing an office or proposition stating a measure on which the voter is ineligible to vote.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.0071. Multiple Methods of Voting Allowed

Sec. 271.0071.  MULTIPLE METHODS OF VOTING ALLOWED.  The restrictions on multiple methods of voting at the same polling place or in early voting prescribed by Sections 123.005-123.007 do not apply to a joint election as if the joint election were a single election but rather apply independently to the election of each participating political subdivision in the joint election.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1349, Sec. 72, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.008. Ballot Boxes

Sec. 271.008.  BALLOT BOXES.  (a)  One set of ballot boxes may be used at a common polling place in a joint election for the deposit of all the ballots for each of the participating political subdivisions.
(b)  If the voted ballots for more than one political subdivision participating in a joint election are deposited in a single ballot box after they are counted, the custodian of the key to the ballot box for voted ballots for elections ordered by an authority of any one of the participating political subdivisions may be appointed as the custodian of the key to that box.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.009. Combining Election Forms and Records

Sec. 271.009.  COMBINING ELECTION FORMS AND RECORDS.  The forms used and records maintained at a common polling place in a joint election may be combined in any manner convenient and adequate to record and report the results of the election for each of the participating political subdivisions.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.010. Custodian of Election Records

Sec. 271.010.  CUSTODIAN OF ELECTION RECORDS.  The general custodian of election records for elections ordered by an authority of any one of the political subdivisions participating in a joint election may be appointed as the general custodian of election records for the joint election if:
(1)  the election records for a common polling place are combined;  or
(2)  the ballots for more than one of the participating political subdivisions are deposited by the voters in a single ballot box.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.011. Canvass

Sec. 271.011.  CANVASS.  (a)  The authority responsible for canvassing the precinct returns for the elections of one of the political subdivisions participating in a joint election may be designated to canvass the returns for one or more of the other participating political subdivisions.
(b)  If elections are jointly canvassed, the presiding officer of the joint canvassing authority shall deliver the appropriate part of the tabulation of the precinct results to each of the presiding officers of the canvassing authorities designated by law for the elections of the participating political subdivisions.  Each tabulation shall then be processed in the same manner as for an election not canvassed jointly.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.012. Certificate of Election

Sec. 271.012.  CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION.  The presiding officer of the canvassing authority that regularly serves a particular political subdivision shall issue certificates of election to candidates elected at the joint election to offices of the political subdivision.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.013. Compensation of Judges and Clerks

Sec. 271.013.  COMPENSATION OF JUDGES AND CLERKS.  (a)  Except as provided by this section, compensation for election officers serving at a common polling place in a joint election is the same as that paid to election officers serving at a regular polling place.
(b)  If the election records, keys, and supplies for a common polling place are to be delivered to different places for two or more participating political subdivisions:
(1)  compensation may be paid in the amount prescribed by this code for delivery, multiplied by the number of participating political subdivisions for which delivery is made to different locations;  and
(2)  compensation may be paid to one election officer appointed to make the delivery or allocated evenly among the election officers who make the delivery.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 271 - Joint Elections › Section 271.014. Conflicts With Other Law

Sec. 271.014.  CONFLICTS WITH OTHER LAW.  A law outside this code pertaining to a joint election supersedes this chapter to the extent of any conflict.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 272 - Bilingual Requirements › Section 272.001. Bilingual Election Materials Required

Sec. 272.001.  BILINGUAL ELECTION MATERIALS REQUIRED.  Bilingual election materials printed in English and Spanish shall be used in elections in this state as provided by this chapter.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 272 - Bilingual Requirements › Section 272.002. Election Precincts in Which Bilingual Materials Used

Sec. 272.002.  ELECTION PRECINCTS IN WHICH BILINGUAL MATERIALS USED.  Except as provided by Section 272.003, bilingual election materials shall be used in each election precinct situated wholly or partly in a county in which five percent or more of the inhabitants are persons of Spanish origin or descent according to the most recent federal decennial census that may be officially recognized or acted upon by the state or political subdivisions.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 272 - Bilingual Requirements › Section 272.003. Exempt Election Precincts

Sec. 272.003.  EXEMPT ELECTION PRECINCTS.  (a)  An election precinct to which Section 272.002 applies may be exempted from the bilingual requirement as provided by this section if official census information or other information indicates that persons of Spanish origin or descent comprise less than five percent of the precinct's inhabitants.
(b)  To exempt an election precinct from the bilingual requirement, the presiding officer of the governing body of the political subdivision responsible for the expenses of an election, with the approval of the governing body, must file with the authority responsible for procuring the election supplies for the political subdivision's elections:
(1)  a written certification by the presiding officer that the precinct qualifies for the exemption;
(2)  a written summary of the official census information or other information relied on to support the exemption;
(3)  a map or maps indicating the precinct's boundary and the boundaries of the census enumeration areas referred to in the summary;  and
(4)  an authenticated copy of the resolution or other official action showing the governing body's approval of the exemption.
(c)  An exemption is effective on the 30th day after the date the certification and other materials required by Subsection (b) are filed.
(d)  In a primary election, each county election precinct that has been exempted under this section is exempt.  If an election precinct that qualifies for exemption is not certified as exempt before the 60th day before primary election day, the secretary of state may exempt the precinct for the primary election by filing the certification and other materials as provided by Subsection (b).
(e)  A precinct exempted under this section remains exempt until:
(1)  the precinct becomes subject to Section 272.002 as a result of a subsequent federal decennial census;  or
(2)  the effective date of a change in the precinct's boundary.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 272 - Bilingual Requirements › Section 272.004. Use of Bilingual Materials for Early Voting

Sec. 272.004.  USE OF BILINGUAL MATERIALS FOR EARLY VOTING.  Bilingual election materials shall be used for early voting in each election in which bilingual election materials are used.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 203, Sec. 2.73;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 554, Sec. 44, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 272 - Bilingual Requirements › Section 272.005. Required Bilingual Materials

Sec. 272.005.  REQUIRED BILINGUAL MATERIALS.  (a)  The instruction posters must be printed in English and Spanish on separate posters or on the same poster with the Spanish text next to the English text.  If separate posters are used, they must be posted side by side.
(b)  Except as provided by Section 272.006, ballots must be printed with all ballot instructions, office titles, column headings, proposition headings, and propositions appearing in English and Spanish.
(c)  Except as provided by Section 272.006, the following materials must contain a Spanish translation beneath the English text:
(1)  the official affidavit forms and other official forms that voters are required to sign in connection with voting;
(2)  the official application forms for early voting ballots;
(3)  written instructions furnished to early voting voters;  and
(4)  the balloting materials furnished to voters in connection with early voting by mail.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 203, Sec. 2.74;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 554, Sec. 45, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1107 (H.B. 2309), Sec. 2.18, eff. January 1, 2006.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 272 - Bilingual Requirements › Section 272.006. Separate Translation Authorized

Sec. 272.006.  SEPARATE TRANSLATION AUTHORIZED.  (a)  In an election precinct in which use of bilingual election materials is required, bilingual printing of the ballot is not required if a Spanish translation of the ballot is posted in each voting station and a statement in Spanish is placed on the ballot informing the voter that the translation is posted in the station.
(b)  If a separate translation of the ballot is made under Subsection (a), the translation must be furnished to each voter to whom an early voting ballot to be voted by mail is provided.
(c)  An item specified by Section 272.005(c) is not required to contain a Spanish translation if:
(1)  for an item used in connection with voting at a polling place:
(A)  a separate translation of the item is made available to the voter on request;  and
(B)  the item contains a statement in Spanish informing the voter of the availability of the translation;  or
(2)  for an item used in connection with early voting by mail, a separate translation of the item is furnished with the item to the voter.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 203, Sec. 2.75;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 554, Sec. 46, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1107 (H.B. 2309), Sec. 2.19, eff. January 1, 2006.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 272 - Bilingual Requirements › Section 272.007. Authority Preparing Translation

Sec. 272.007.  AUTHORITY PREPARING TRANSLATION.  (a)  Except as otherwise provided by this section, the secretary of state shall prepare the Spanish translation for the bilingual election materials required by Sections 272.005 and 272.006.
(b)  The secretary of state shall prepare the Spanish translation of the ballot propositions for proposed constitutional amendments and other measures submitted by the legislature if the legislature does not provide a translation.
(c)  The authority responsible for having the official ballot prepared for an election other than a primary election or an election ordered by the governor shall prepare the Spanish translation of the contents of the ballot.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1107 (H.B. 2309), Sec. 2.20, eff. January 1, 2006.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 272 - Bilingual Requirements › Section 272.008. Optional Use of Bilingual Materials

Sec. 272.008.  OPTIONAL USE OF BILINGUAL MATERIALS.  (a)  The governing body of the political subdivision responsible for the expenses of an election may require the use of bilingual election materials in one or more election precincts.
(b)  If bilingual materials are required to be used under this section, an authenticated copy of the resolution or other official action showing the governing body's decision shall be filed with the authority responsible for procuring the election supplies for the political subdivision's elections.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Chapter 272 - Bilingual Requirements › Section 272.009. Bilingual Election Clerks

Sec. 272.009.  BILINGUAL ELECTION CLERKS.  (a)  The presiding judge of an election precinct subject to Section 272.002 shall make reasonable efforts to appoint a sufficient number of election clerks who are fluent in both English and Spanish to serve the needs of the Spanish-speaking voters of the precinct.
(b)  If the number of election clerks appointed under Subsection (a) is insufficient to serve the needs of the Spanish-speaking voters in the election, the authority appointing election judges for the election shall appoint at least one clerk who is fluent in both English and Spanish to serve at a central location to provide assistance for Spanish-speaking voters.  On a primary election day, the county chairs of each party holding a primary shall each appoint one clerk under this subsection.
(c)  To be eligible to serve as a clerk under this section, a person must:
(1)  be a qualified voter of the state and satisfy any additional eligibility requirements prescribed by written order of the commissioners court; or
(2)  meet the eligibility requirements of a student election clerk under Section 32.0511.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 638, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1107 (H.B. 2309), Sec. 1.24, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 3107), Sec. 96, eff. September 1, 2021.