reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 18 - Procedures for Identifying Registered Voters › Subchapter C. Statewide Voter Registration List › Section 18.069. Voting History

Sec. 18.069.  VOTING HISTORY.  Not later than the 30th day after the date of the primary, runoff primary, or general election or any special election ordered by the governor, the general custodian of election records shall electronically submit to the secretary of state the record of each voter participating in the election.  The record must include a notation of whether the voter voted on election day, voted early by personal appearance, voted early by mail under Chapter 86, or voted early by mail under Chapter 101.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1164 (H.B. 2817), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2011.
Redesignated from Election Code, Section 18.068 by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 22.001(14), eff. September 1, 2013.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 294 (H.B. 2050), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 3107), Sec. 29, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 19 - Financing Voter Registration › Section 19.001. Statement of Registrations Submitted to Secretary of State

Sec. 19.001.  STATEMENT OF REGISTRATIONS SUBMITTED TO SECRETARY OF STATE.  (a)  Before May 15 of each year, the registrar shall prepare and submit to the secretary of state a statement containing:
(1)  the total number of initial registrations for the previous voting year;
(2)  the total number of registrations canceled under Sections 16.031(a)(1), 16.033, and 16.0332 for the previous voting year; and
(3)  the total number of registrations for which information was updated for the previous voting year.
(b)  In each even-numbered year, the registrar shall include in the statement the total number of voters on the lists of registered voters on the date of the first election held in the county in the voting year.
(c)  The registrar shall certify that the information in the statement is accurate.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 454, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1316, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4 (S.B. 1), Sec. 15.02, eff. September 28, 2011.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 5.005, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 19 - Financing Voter Registration › Section 19.002. Payments

Sec. 19.002.  PAYMENTS.  (a)  Each registrar is entitled to receive the sum of the following amounts:
(1)  25 cents multiplied by the number of initial registrations certified under Section 19.001(a)(1);
(2)  40 cents multiplied by the number of canceled registrations certified under Section 19.001(a)(2);
(3)  40 cents multiplied by the number of updated registrations under Section 19.001(a)(3);  and
(4)  in each even-numbered year, 40 cents multiplied by the difference between the number of registered voters and the number of initial registrations certified for the two previous voting years.
(b)  After June 1 of each year, the secretary of state shall make payments pursuant to vouchers submitted by the registrar and approved by the secretary of state in amounts that in the aggregate do not exceed the registrar's entitlement.  The secretary of state shall prescribe the procedures necessary to implement this subsection.
(c)  Repealed by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4, Sec. 15.08, eff. September 28, 2011.
(d)  The secretary of state may not make a payment under Subsection (b) if on June 1 of the year in which the payment is to be made the registrar is not in substantial compliance with Section 15.083, 16.031, 16.032, or 18.065 or with rules implementing the registration service program.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 472, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 114, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 916, Sec. 21, eff. Sept. 1, 1993;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 454, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1164 (H.B. 2817), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4 (S.B. 1), Sec. 15.03, eff. September 28, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4 (S.B. 1), Sec. 15.04, eff. September 28, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4 (S.B. 1), Sec. 15.05, eff. September 28, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4 (S.B. 1), Sec. 15.08, eff. September 28, 2011.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 713 (H.B. 4034), Sec. 5, eff. June 12, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 873 (H.B. 2837), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 19 - Financing Voter Registration › Section 19.0025. Electronic Administration of Vouchers and Payments

Sec. 19.0025.  ELECTRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF VOUCHERS AND PAYMENTS.  (a)  The secretary of state shall establish and maintain an online electronic system for administering vouchers submitted and payments made under Section 19.002.
(b)  A registrar must electronically submit a voucher to the secretary of state using the online electronic system maintained by the secretary.
(c)  The online electronic system shall provide for the direct deposit of a disbursement made under this chapter in a registrar's account.
(d)  The secretary of state shall prescribe procedures necessary to implement this section.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 619 (H.B. 2322), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4 (S.B. 1), Sec. 15.06, eff. September 28, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4 (S.B. 1), Sec. 15.07, eff. September 28, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 19 - Financing Voter Registration › Section 19.003. Disbursement of State Funds

Sec. 19.003.  DISBURSEMENT OF STATE FUNDS.  Only funds from the General Revenue Fund may be appropriated for the disbursements required by this chapter.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 19 - Financing Voter Registration › Section 19.004. Use of State Funds Restricted

Sec. 19.004.  USE OF STATE FUNDS RESTRICTED.
(a)  Except as provided by Subsection (d), state funds disbursed under this chapter may be used only to:
(1)  defray expenses of the registrar's office in connection with voter registration, including additional expenses related to:
(A)  implementation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. Section 20501 et seq.);
(B)  complying with weekly updating requirements; and
(C)  the employment of temporary voter registration personnel for not more than 39 weeks in a state fiscal year; and
(2)  if the registrar's county has a population of less than 55,000, defray the cost to the registrar's county of keeping the polling places in the county open during the early voting period as required under Sections 85.005(c), 85.006(e), and 85.064(d).
(b)  The secretary of state shall specify the procedures that result in additional expenses and that are required under this section.
(c)  Any funds authorized under this chapter that lapse to the state after the expiration of the two-year period in which they may be used shall be placed in a special fund administered by the secretary of state.  The secretary of state shall issue money from this fund to counties with limited technological resources to upgrade voter registration technology.  The secretary of state shall prescribe procedures necessary to implement this section.
(d)  If the secretary of state determines that federal matching funds are available under the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002, the secretary of state shall certify to the comptroller the amount of state funds required to qualify for the maximum amount of federal matching funds.  On receipt of the certification, the comptroller shall deposit from funds otherwise available under this chapter an amount equal to the certified amount in the election improvement fund established under Section 31.011.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 472, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1178, Sec. 4, eff. Jan. 1, 2002;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1315, Sec. 12, eff. Jan. 1, 2004.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 194 (H.B. 3061), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 679 (H.B. 1217), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 19 - Financing Voter Registration › Section 19.005. State Funds Not Fees of Office

Sec. 19.005.  STATE FUNDS NOT FEES OF OFFICE.  State funds disbursed under this chapter are not and may not be treated as fees of office.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 472, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 19 - Financing Voter Registration › Section 19.006. State Funds Not Part of County Budget

Sec. 19.006.  STATE FUNDS NOT PART OF COUNTY BUDGET.  The commissioners court may not consider the availability of state funds under this chapter in adopting the county budget for the office of the voter registrar.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 20.001. Designation of Voter Registration Agencies

Sec. 20.001.  DESIGNATION OF VOTER REGISTRATION AGENCIES.  (a)  The following state agencies are designated as voter registration agencies:
(1)  Health and Human Services Commission;
(2)  Department of Aging and Disability Services;
(3)  Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services;
(4)  Department of State Health Services; and
(5)  any other agency or program as determined by the secretary of state that primarily provides:
(A)  public assistance; or
(B)  services to persons with disabilities.
(b)  The Department of Public Safety is designated as a voter registration agency.
(c)  Each public library, including any branch or other service outlet, is designated as a voter registration agency.  In this chapter, "public library" means a library that:
(1)  is regularly open for business for more than 30 hours a week;
(2)  is operated by a single public agency or board;
(3)  is open without charge to all persons under identical conditions;  and
(4)  receives its financial support wholly or partly from public funds.
(d)  Each marriage license office of the county clerk is designated as a voter registration agency.
(e)  The secretary of state shall designate other agencies or offices as voter registration agencies as necessary for compliance with federal law.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1090 (H.B. 2068), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 20.002. Agency-Prescribed Registration Application Form

Sec. 20.002.  AGENCY-PRESCRIBED REGISTRATION APPLICATION FORM.  Instead of using the official voter registration application form prescribed by the secretary of state, a voter registration agency may use an official form prescribed by the agency, if approved by the secretary of state.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 20.003. Official Declination of Registration Form

Sec. 20.003.  OFFICIAL DECLINATION OF REGISTRATION FORM.  The officially prescribed form for a declination of a voter registration must include:
(1)  spaces for the person's signature and printed name and the date of signing;
(2)  the following question, followed by appropriate boxes preceding "YES" and "NO":  "If you are not registered to vote where you live now, would you like to apply to register to vote here today?";
(3)  if the agency provides public assistance, the statement:  "Applying to register or declining to register to vote will not affect the amount of assistance that you will be provided by this agency.";
(4)  the statement:  "IF YOU HAVE NOT CHECKED EITHER BOX, YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE DECIDED NOT TO REGISTER TO VOTE AT THIS TIME.";
(5)  the statement:  "If you would like help filling out the voter registration application form, we will help you.  The decision whether to seek or accept help is yours.  You may fill out the application form in private.";
(6)  the statement:  "If you believe that someone has interfered with your right to register or to decline to register to vote or with your right to privacy in deciding whether to register or in applying to register to vote, you may file a complaint with the Elections Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 12060, Austin, Texas 78711.";
(7)  a statement that if the applicant declines to register to vote, that fact will remain confidential and will be used only for voter registration purposes;
(8)  a statement that if the applicant does register to vote, information regarding the agency or office to which the application is submitted will remain confidential and will be used only for voter registration purposes;  and
(9)  a space for indicating that the applicant refused to sign the declination or kept the application to personally submit it to the voter registrar.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 20.004. Agency Coordinator

Sec. 20.004.  AGENCY COORDINATOR.  (a)  A voter registration agency shall designate one or more persons to coordinate the agency's voter registration program.  The agency shall notify the secretary of state of the name of each coordinator.
(b)  The registration coordinator shall conduct training for agency employees in voter registration procedures with the assistance of the secretary of state.
(c)  The agency shall submit to the secretary of state a plan to implement voter registration procedures under this chapter.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 20.005. Degree of Assistance

Sec. 20.005.  DEGREE OF ASSISTANCE.  A voter registration agency shall provide the same degree of assistance, including any necessary bilingual assistance, to a person in completing a voter registration form as is provided to a person in completing the agency's forms, unless the assistance is refused.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 20.006. Determination of Eligibility

Sec. 20.006.  DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY.  (a)  An employee of a voter registration agency may not make a determination about a person's eligibility for registration other than a determination of whether the person is of voting age or is a United States citizen.
(b)  A person's age or citizenship may be determined by the employee only if the age or citizenship can be readily determined from information filed with the agency by the person for purposes other than voter registration.
(c)  A person shall be offered voter registration assistance as provided by this chapter even if the person's age or citizenship cannot be determined.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 20.007. Prohibited Acts

Sec. 20.007.  PROHIBITED ACTS.  An employee of a voter registration agency may not:
(1)  seek to influence an applicant's political party preference;
(2)  display any political party preference or allegiance;  or
(3)  make any statement or take any action the purpose or effect of which is to:
(A)  discourage the applicant from registering to vote;  or
(B)  lead the applicant to believe that a decision of whether to register has any bearing on the availability of services or benefits.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 20.008. Assistance by Secretary of State or Registrar

Sec. 20.008.  ASSISTANCE BY SECRETARY OF STATE OR REGISTRAR.  If a question arises concerning voter registration that an agency employee cannot answer, the employee shall provide the person:
(1)  the toll-free telephone number of the Elections Division of the Office of the Secretary of State;  and
(2)  the telephone number of the voter registrar to whom registration applications are submitted.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 20.009. Additional Procedures

Sec. 20.009.  ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES.  The secretary of state shall prescribe any additional procedures necessary for the orderly and proper administration of voter registration procedures under this chapter.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter B. Registration Assistance Generally › Section 20.031. Form Provided

Sec. 20.031.  FORM PROVIDED.  A voter registration agency shall provide a voter registration application form to each person who is of voting age and a United States citizen in connection with the person's application for initial services, and also in connection with any recertification, renewal, or change of address, unless the person declines in writing to register to vote.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter B. Registration Assistance Generally › Section 20.032. Registration Procedures

Sec. 20.032.  REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.  (a)  An appropriate agency employee shall routinely inform each person who applies in person for agency services of the opportunity to complete a voter registration application form and on request shall provide nonpartisan voter registration assistance to the applicant.
(b)  An agency that provides services at a person's residence shall provide the opportunity to complete the form and the assistance under Subsection (a) at the residence.
(c)  On receipt of a registration application, the appropriate agency employee shall review it for completeness in the applicant's presence.  If the application does not contain all the required information and the required signature, the agency employee shall return the application to the applicant for completion and resubmission.
(d)  Information regarding the agency or office to which an application is submitted is confidential and may be used only for voter registration purposes.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter B. Registration Assistance Generally › Section 20.033. Effect of Submission of Application to Employee

Sec. 20.033.  EFFECT OF SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION TO EMPLOYEE.  The date of submission of a completed registration application to the agency employee is considered to be the date of submission to the voter registrar for the purpose of determining the effective date of registration only.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter B. Registration Assistance Generally › Section 20.034. Submission to Registrar by Applicant

Sec. 20.034.  SUBMISSION TO REGISTRAR BY APPLICANT.  (a)  The applicant may keep the registration application form or the completed application to submit the application personally to the voter registrar.
(b)  The agency employee shall enter on the declination of registration form a notation that after being given the opportunity to register, the applicant kept the application or application form for personal submission of the application to the registrar.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter B. Registration Assistance Generally › Section 20.035. Delivery of Applications to Registrar

Sec. 20.035.  DELIVERY OF APPLICATIONS TO REGISTRAR.  (a)  The agency shall deliver to the voter registrar of the county in which the agency office is located each completed registration application submitted to an agency employee.
(b)  An application shall be delivered to the registrar not later than the fifth day after the date the application is submitted to the employee.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter B. Registration Assistance Generally › Section 20.036. Declination of Registration

Sec. 20.036.  DECLINATION OF REGISTRATION.  (a)  If the applicant does not wish to complete a voter registration application form, the agency employee shall request that the applicant complete and sign an official declination of registration form unless the employee determines that the applicant has previously completed and signed the form.
(b)  If the applicant refuses to sign the declination form, the agency employee shall enter on the form a notation of that fact.
(c)  The agency shall preserve each declination for at least 22 months after the date of signing.  The declination may be retained in the applicant's file at the agency or in a separate declination file.
(d)  A declination is confidential and may be used only for voter registration purposes.
(e)  The secretary of state shall prescribe the procedures necessary to eliminate the filing of multiple declinations by an applicant.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter B. Registration Assistance Generally › Section 20.037. Telephone or Mail Services

Sec. 20.037.  TELEPHONE OR MAIL SERVICES.  (a)  A voter registration agency that allows a person to apply for services by mail shall deliver to an applicant by mail a voter registration application form on the approval of services for the applicant.
(b)  An agency shall deliver to an applicant by mail a voter registration application form if:
(1)  the agency automatically notifies an applicant to renew or recertify a service by mailing a form to the applicant;  or
(2)  the applicant requests services by telephone and the agency provides services in that manner.
(c)  An application form delivered by mail must be accompanied by a notice informing the applicant that the application may be submitted in person or by mail to the voter registrar of the county in which the applicant resides or in person to a volunteer deputy registrar for delivery to the voter registrar of the county in which the applicant resides.
(d)  The agency may maintain a written record indicating that a registration application was delivered to an applicant.
(e)  The agency is not required to deliver a declination of registration form under this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter C. Department of Public Safety › Section 20.061. Applicability of Other Provisions

Sec. 20.061.  APPLICABILITY OF OTHER PROVISIONS.  The other provisions of this chapter apply to the Department of Public Safety except provisions that conflict with this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter C. Department of Public Safety › Section 20.062. Department Forms and Procedure

Sec. 20.062.  DEPARTMENT FORMS AND PROCEDURE.  (a)  The Department of Public Safety shall prescribe and use a form and procedure that combines the department's application form for a license or card with an officially prescribed voter registration application form.
(b)  The department shall prescribe and use a change of address form and procedure that combines department and voter registration functions.  The form must allow a licensee or cardholder to indicate whether the change of address is also to be used for voter registration purposes.
(c)  The design, content, and physical characteristics of the department forms must be approved by the secretary of state.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter C. Department of Public Safety › Section 20.063. Registration Procedures

Sec. 20.063.  REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.  (a)  The Department of Public Safety shall provide to each person who applies in person at the department's offices for an original or renewal of a driver's license, a personal identification card, or a duplicate or corrected license or card an opportunity to complete a voter registration application form.
(b)  When the department processes a license or card for renewal by mail, the department shall deliver to the applicant by mail a voter registration application form.
(c)  A change of address that relates to a license or card and that is submitted to the department in person or by mail serves as a change of address for voter registration unless the licensee or cardholder indicates that the change is not for voter registration purposes.  The date of submission of a change of address to a department employee is considered to be the date of submission to the voter registrar for the purpose of determining the effective date of registration only.
(d)  If a completed voter registration application submitted to a department employee does not include the applicant's correct driver's license number or personal identification card number, a department employee shall enter the appropriate information on the application.  If a completed application does not include the applicant's correct residence address or mailing address, a department employee shall obtain the appropriate information from the applicant and enter the information on the application.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 454, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter C. Department of Public Safety › Section 20.064. Declination Form Not Required

Sec. 20.064.  DECLINATION FORM NOT REQUIRED.  The Department of Public Safety is not required to comply with the procedures prescribed by this chapter relating to the form for a declination of voter registration.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter C. Department of Public Safety › Section 20.065. Delivery of Applications and Changes of Address

Sec. 20.065.  DELIVERY OF APPLICATIONS AND CHANGES OF ADDRESS.  (a)  At the end of each day a Department of Public Safety office is regularly open for business, the manager of the office shall deliver by mail or in person to the voter registrar of the county in which the office is located each completed voter registration application and applicable change of address submitted to a department employee.
(b)  Each weekday the department is regularly open for business, the department shall electronically transfer to the secretary of state the name of each person who completes a voter registration application submitted to the department.  The secretary shall prescribe procedures necessary to implement this subsection.
(c)  On the weekday the secretary of state is regularly open for business following the date the secretary receives information under Subsection (b), the secretary shall inform the appropriate voter registrar of the name of each person who completes a voter registration application submitted to the department.  The registrar may verify that the registrar has received each application as indicated by the information provided by the secretary under this subsection.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1178, Sec. 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2002.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1105 (H.B. 2280), Sec. 8, eff. January 1, 2006.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter C. Department of Public Safety › Section 20.066. Registration Procedures

Sec. 20.066.  REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.  (a)   If a person completes a voter registration application as provided by Section 20.063, the Department of Public Safety shall:
(1)  input the information provided on the application into the department's electronic data system; and
(2)  inform the applicant that the applicant's electronic signature provided to the department will be used for submitting the applicant's voter registration application.
(b)  Not later than the fifth day after the date a person completes a voter registration application and provides an electronic signature to the department, the department shall electronically transfer the applicant's voter registration data, including the applicant's signature, to the secretary of state.
(c)  The secretary of state shall prescribe additional procedures as necessary to implement this section.
(d)  Expired.
(e)  Expired.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1136, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1105 (H.B. 2280), Sec. 9, eff. January 1, 2006.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter D. Public Library › Section 20.091. Applicability of Other Provisions

Sec. 20.091.  APPLICABILITY OF OTHER PROVISIONS.  The other provisions of this chapter apply to a public library except provisions that conflict with this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter D. Public Library › Section 20.092. Registration Procedure

Sec. 20.092.  REGISTRATION PROCEDURE.  (a)  A public library shall provide to each person of voting age who applies in person for an original or renewal of a library card an opportunity to complete a voter registration application form.
(b)  A public library shall use the official form prescribed by the secretary of state.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter D. Public Library › Section 20.093. Declination Form Not Required

Sec. 20.093.  DECLINATION FORM NOT REQUIRED.  A public library is not required to comply with the procedures prescribed by this chapter relating to the form for a declination of voter registration.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter E. Marriage License Office › Section 20.121. Applicability of Other Provisions

Sec. 20.121.  APPLICABILITY OF OTHER PROVISIONS.  The other provisions of this chapter do not apply to a marriage license office of the county clerk unless expressly provided otherwise by the other provision or by rule of the secretary of state.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter E. Marriage License Office › Section 20.122. Registration Procedures

Sec. 20.122.  REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.  (a)  When an original marriage license is returned to the licensees after being recorded, the county clerk shall also deliver to the licensees by mail two voter registration application forms.
(b)  The county clerk shall use the official form prescribed by the secretary of state.
(c)  The application forms must be accompanied by a notice informing the licensees that the applications may be submitted in person or by mail to the voter registrar of the county in which they reside or in person to a volunteer deputy registrar for delivery to the voter registrar of the county in which they reside.
(d)  The county clerk may maintain a written record indicating that a registration application was delivered to a licensee.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 20 - Voter Registration Agencies › Subchapter E. Marriage License Office › Section 20.123. Declination Form Not Required

Sec. 20.123.  DECLINATION FORM NOT REQUIRED.  The county clerk is not required to comply with the procedures prescribed by this chapter relating to the form for a declination of voter registration.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.001. Chief Election Officer

Sec. 31.001.  CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER.  (a)  The secretary of state is the chief election officer of the state.
(b)  The secretary shall establish in the secretary's office an elections division with an adequate staff to enable the secretary to perform the secretary's duties as chief election officer.  The secretary may assign to the elections division staff any function relating to the administration of elections that is under the secretary's jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.002. Official Forms

Sec. 31.002.  OFFICIAL FORMS.  (a)  The secretary of state shall prescribe the design and content, consistent with this code, of the forms necessary for the administration of this code other than Title 15.  The design and content must enhance the ability of a person to understand the applicable requirements and to physically furnish the required information in the space provided.
(b)  The secretary shall furnish samples of the forms to:
(1)  the appropriate authorities who have administrative duties under this code;  and
(2)  other persons who request a form for duplication.
(c)  The samples of forms shall be furnished without charge.
(d)  An authority having administrative duties under this code shall use an official form in performing the administrative functions, except in an emergency in which an official form is unavailable or as otherwise provided by this code.  Other persons are not required to use an official form unless expressly required to do so by this code.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 34, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1349, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 5.08, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.0021. Certain Official Forms: Inclusion of Nepotism Information

Sec. 31.0021.  CERTAIN OFFICIAL FORMS:  INCLUSION OF NEPOTISM INFORMATION.  (a)  On forms designed and furnished by the secretary of state for an application for a place on the ballot, the secretary shall include a brief summary of:
(1)  the nepotism prohibition imposed by Chapter 573, Government Code; and
(2)  a list of the specific kinds of relatives that are included within the prohibited degrees of relationship prescribed by Chapter 573, Government Code.
(b)  Any other authority that designs and furnishes an application for a place on the ballot shall include on that form the same summary included on forms prescribed by the secretary of state under Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 427, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(25), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1107 (H.B. 2309), Sec. 1.09, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.003. Uniformity

Sec. 31.003.  UNIFORMITY.  The secretary of state shall obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, operation, and interpretation of this code and of the election laws outside this code.  In performing this duty, the secretary shall prepare detailed and comprehensive written directives and instructions relating to and based on this code and the election laws outside this code.  The secretary shall distribute these materials to the appropriate state and local authorities having duties in the administration of these laws.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.004. Assistance and Advice

Sec. 31.004.  ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE.  (a)  The secretary of state shall assist and advise all election authorities with regard to the application, operation, and interpretation of this code and of the election laws outside this code.
(b)  The secretary shall maintain an informational service for answering inquiries of election authorities relating to the administration of the election laws or the performance of their duties.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.005. Protection of Voting Rights; Enforcement

Sec. 31.005.  PROTECTION OF VOTING RIGHTS; ENFORCEMENT.  (a)  The secretary of state may take appropriate action to protect the voting rights of the citizens of this state from abuse by the authorities administering the state's electoral processes.
(b)  The secretary of state may order a person performing official functions in the administration of any part of the electoral processes to correct offending conduct if the secretary determines that the person is exercising the powers vested in that person in a manner that:
(1)  impedes the free exercise of a citizen's voting rights; or
(2)  unless acting under an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, delays or cancels an election that the person does not have specific statutory authority to delay or cancel.
(c)  If a person described by Subsection (b) fails to comply with an order from the secretary of state under this section, the secretary may seek enforcement of the order by a temporary restraining order or a writ of injunction or mandamus obtained through the attorney general.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 3107), Sec. 30, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 3107), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.0055. Voting Rights Hotline

Sec. 31.0055.  VOTING RIGHTS HOTLINE.  (a)  The secretary of state shall establish a toll-free telephone number to allow a person to report an existing or potential abuse of voting rights.
(b)  A notice informing voters of the telephone number and the purpose for the number shall be included in the notice of voters' rights publicized under Section 62.0115.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 510 (H.B. 719), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.006. Referral to Attorney General

Sec. 31.006.  REFERRAL TO ATTORNEY GENERAL.  (a)  If, after receiving or discovering information indicating that criminal conduct in connection with an election has occurred, the secretary of state determines that there is reasonable cause to suspect that criminal conduct occurred, the secretary shall promptly refer the information to the attorney general.  The secretary shall deliver to the attorney general all pertinent documents and information in the secretary's possession.
(b)  The documents and information submitted under Subsection (a) are not considered public information until:
(1)  the secretary of state makes a determination that the information received does not warrant an investigation; or
(2)  if referred to the attorney general, the attorney general has completed the investigation or has made a determination that the information referred does not warrant an investigation.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 728, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1164 (H.B. 2817), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1178 (S.B. 910), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 1), Sec. 2.08, eff. December 2, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.007. Suspension of Provisions Implementing National Voter Registration Act

Sec. 31.007.  SUSPENSION OF PROVISIONS IMPLEMENTING NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT.  (a)  If under federal law, order, regulation, or other official action the National Voter Registration Act of 1993  is not required to be implemented or enforced in whole or in part, an affected state law or rule is suspended to the extent that the law or rule was enacted or adopted to implement that Act, and it is the intent of the legislature that the applicable law in effect immediately before the enactment or adoption be reinstated and continued in effect pending enactment of corrective state legislation.
(b)  On a finding by the secretary of state that a suspension of a law or rule has occurred under Subsection (a), the secretary may modify applicable procedures as necessary to give effect to the suspension and to reinstatement of the procedures of the former law.
(c)  The secretary of state may adopt rules to implement this section as necessary.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 35, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.008. Collection of Information: Forum on Election Cost Savings

Sec. 31.008.  COLLECTION OF INFORMATION:  FORUM ON ELECTION COST SAVINGS.  (a)  The secretary of state shall collect and maintain information on the number of elections held in this state and the administrative costs associated with the elections.
(b)  The secretary of state shall conduct an annual forum to allow election officials from political subdivisions to exchange ideas on the administration of elections, including issues related to cost savings and efficiency in the conduct of elections.  The election officials shall be given the opportunity at the forum to make recommendations on proposed changes in the election laws.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1219, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.009. Distribution of Certain Funds

Sec. 31.009.  DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN FUNDS.  (a)  If federal funds are made available to assist the state in the administration of elections, including assistance for the phasing out or prohibition of the use of punch-card ballot voting systems in this state, or state funds are made available to reimburse political subdivisions for expenses incurred in conducting a special election that is held statewide, the secretary of state shall administer and distribute the funds as appropriate to most effectively facilitate the purposes for which the funds are made available.
(b)  The secretary of state shall prescribe any necessary rules and take any appropriate action to implement this section.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 537, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1182 (H.B. 556), Sec. 1(a), eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1182 (H.B. 556), Sec. 1(b), eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 3 - Election Officers and Observers › Chapter 31 - Officers to Administer Elections › Subchapter A. Secretary of State › Section 31.010. Implementation of Federal Help America Vote Act

Sec. 31.010.  IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT.  (a)  The secretary of state may adopt rules as necessary to implement the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002.
(b)  The secretary of state shall adopt rules establishing state-based administrative complaint procedures to remedy grievances that meet the requirements of Section 402(a) of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1315, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.