reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.034. Active Appointment File

Sec. 13.034.  ACTIVE APPOINTMENT FILE.  (a)  The registrar shall maintain a file containing the duplicate certificates of appointment of the volunteer deputy registrars whose appointments are effective.
(b)  The registrar shall maintain the file in alphabetical order by deputy name on a countywide basis.
(c)  Each certificate shall be retained on file during the time the appointment is effective.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.035. Inactive Appointment File

Sec. 13.035.  INACTIVE APPOINTMENT FILE.  (a)  The registrar shall maintain a file containing the duplicate certificates of appointment of the volunteer deputy registrars whose appointments have been terminated.
(b)  The registrar shall enter the date of and reason for termination on each duplicate certificate.
(c)  The registrar shall maintain the file in alphabetical order by deputy name on a countywide basis.
(d)  Each certificate shall be retained on file for two years after the date of termination.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.036. Termination of Appointment

Sec. 13.036.  TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT.  (a)  An appointment as a volunteer deputy registrar is terminated on:
(1)  the expiration of the volunteer deputy's term of appointment; or
(2)  the final conviction of the volunteer deputy for an offense prescribed by Section 13.008 or 13.043.
(b)  The registrar may terminate the appointment of a volunteer deputy registrar on a determination by the registrar that the volunteer deputy:
(1)  failed to adequately review a registration application as required by Section 13.039;
(2)  intentionally destroyed or  physically altered a registration application; or
(3)  engaged in any other activity that conflicts with the responsibilities of a volunteer deputy registrar under this chapter.
(c)  Immediately on the termination of an appointment, the registrar shall deliver written notice of the termination to the volunteer deputy, directing the deputy:
(1)  to stop activity as a volunteer deputy registrar immediately;  and
(2)  to deliver the certificate of appointment, receipt forms, and registration applications and receipts in the volunteer deputy's possession to the registrar not later than the second day after the date the deputy receives the termination notice.
(d)  The registrar shall reject all registration applications received by a person purporting to act as a volunteer deputy registrar after the person's appointment is terminated.
(e)  The registrar may not reappoint a person whose appointment as a volunteer deputy registrar is terminated under Subsection (a)(2).
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 916, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1002 (H.B. 2194), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1003 (H.B. 621), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.037. Compensation; Bond

Sec. 13.037.  COMPENSATION;  BOND.  (a)  A person may not receive compensation from the county for service as a volunteer deputy registrar unless compensation is authorized by the commissioners court.
(b)  An unpaid volunteer deputy is not required to give a bond in connection with the deputy's service.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 916, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.038. Powers Generally

Sec. 13.038.  POWERS GENERALLY.  A volunteer deputy registrar may distribute voter registration application forms throughout the county and receive registration applications submitted to the deputy in person.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.039. Review of Application

Sec. 13.039.  REVIEW OF APPLICATION.  (a)  On receipt of a registration application, a volunteer deputy registrar shall review it for completeness in the applicant's presence.
(b)  If the application does not contain all the required information and the required signature, the volunteer deputy shall return the application to the applicant for completion and resubmission.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.040. Issuance of Receipt

Sec. 13.040.  ISSUANCE OF RECEIPT.  (a)  On receipt of a completed registration application, a volunteer deputy registrar shall prepare a receipt in duplicate on a form furnished by the registrar.
(b)  The receipt must contain:
(1)  the name of the applicant and, if applicable, the name of the applicant's agent;  and
(2)  the date the completed application is submitted to the volunteer deputy.
(c)  The volunteer deputy shall sign the receipt in the applicant's presence and shall give the original to the applicant.
(d)  The volunteer deputy shall deliver the duplicate receipt to the registrar with the registration application.  The registrar shall retain the receipt on file with the application.
(e)  The secretary of state may prescribe a procedure that is an alternative to the procedure prescribed by this section that will ensure the accountability of the registration applications.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.041. Effect of Submission of Application

Sec. 13.041.  EFFECT OF SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION.  The date of submission of a completed registration application to a volunteer deputy registrar is considered to be the date of submission to the registrar for the purpose of determining the effective date of registration only.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.042. Delivery of Application to Registrar

Sec. 13.042.  DELIVERY OF APPLICATION TO REGISTRAR.  (a)  A volunteer deputy registrar shall deliver in person, or by personal delivery through another designated volunteer deputy, to the registrar each completed voter registration application submitted to the deputy, as provided by this section.  The secretary of state shall prescribe any procedures necessary to ensure the proper and timely delivery of completed applications that are not delivered in person by the volunteer deputy who receives them.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), an application shall be delivered to the registrar not later than 5 p.m. of the fifth day after the date the application is submitted to the volunteer deputy registrar.
(c)  An application submitted after the 34th day before the date of an election and on or before the last day for a person to timely submit a registration application for that election as provided by Section 13.143 shall be delivered not later than 5 p.m. of the next regular business day after the date to timely submit a registration application for that election as provided by Section 13.143.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 472, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 162 (H.B. 2324), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.043. Failure to Deliver Application

Sec. 13.043.  FAILURE TO DELIVER APPLICATION.  (a)  A volunteer deputy registrar commits an offense if the deputy fails to comply with Section 13.042.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(c)  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor if the deputy's failure to comply is intentional.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.044. Purportedly Acting as Volunteer Deputy Registrar

Sec. 13.044.  PURPORTEDLY ACTING AS VOLUNTEER DEPUTY REGISTRAR.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person purports to act as a volunteer deputy registrar when the person does not have an effective appointment as a volunteer deputy registrar.
(b)  An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.045. Activity on Governmental Premises

Sec. 13.045.  ACTIVITY ON GOVERNMENTAL PREMISES.  Except as otherwise provided by law, the chief executive of a state agency with approval of the agency's governing body, if any, the chief executive of a department of a city with approval of the city's governing body, or a county officer may permit an officer or employee under the chief executive's or officer's supervision who is a volunteer deputy registrar to engage in official registration activities during working hours on the premises under the chief executive's or officer's control.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.046. High School Deputy Registrars

Sec. 13.046.  HIGH SCHOOL DEPUTY REGISTRARS.  (a)  Each principal of a public or private high school or the principal's designee shall serve as a deputy registrar for the county in which the school is located.
(b)  In this code, "high school deputy registrar" means a deputy registrar serving under this section.
(c)  A high school deputy registrar may distribute registration application forms to and receive registration applications submitted to the deputy in person from students and employees of the school only.
(d)  At least twice each school year, a high school deputy registrar shall distribute an officially prescribed registration application form to each student who is or will be 18 years of age or older during that year, subject to rules prescribed by the secretary of state.
(e)  Each application form distributed under this section must be accompanied by a notice informing the student or employee 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 high school deputy registrar or volunteer deputy registrar for delivery to the voter registrar of the county in which the applicant resides.
(f)  Except as provided by this subsection, Sections 13.039, 13.041, and 13.042 apply to the submission and delivery of registration applications under this section, and for that purpose, "volunteer deputy registrar" in those sections includes a high school deputy registrar.  A high school deputy registrar may review an application for completeness out of the applicant's presence.  A deputy may deliver a group of applications to the registrar by mail in an envelope or package, and, for the purpose of determining compliance with the delivery deadline, an application delivered by mail is considered to be delivered at the time of its receipt by the registrar.
(g)  A high school deputy registrar commits an offense if the deputy fails to comply with Section 13.042.  An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor unless the deputy's failure to comply is intentional, in which case the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
(h)  The secretary of state shall prescribe any additional procedures necessary to implement this section.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 279, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.047. Training Standards for Deputy Registrars

Sec. 13.047.  TRAINING STANDARDS FOR DEPUTY REGISTRARS.  (a)  The secretary of state shall:
(1)  adopt standards of training in election law relating to the registration of voters;
(2)  develop materials for a standardized curriculum for that training;  and
(3)  distribute the materials as necessary to each county voter registrar.
(b)  The training standards may include the passage of an examination at the end of a training program.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 507 (H.B. 1570), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter B. Volunteer Deputy Registrars; High School Deputy Registrars › Section 13.048. Optional Procedure for Appointment of Volunteer Deputy Registrar; Provision of Training Materials on Secretary of State Website

Sec. 13.048.  OPTIONAL PROCEDURE FOR APPOINTMENT OF VOLUNTEER DEPUTY REGISTRAR; PROVISION OF TRAINING MATERIALS ON SECRETARY OF STATE WEBSITE.  (a)  A county may adopt a method of appointment for volunteer deputy registrars prescribed by the secretary of state or developed by the county and approved by the secretary of state under this section that provides for the training and examination of potential volunteer deputy registrars.
(b)  For the purposes of this section, the secretary of state shall:
(1)  provide on the secretary of state's website the training materials prescribed by the secretary of state under Section 13.047 for volunteer deputy registrars; and
(2)  prescribe and make available on the secretary of state's website an examination based on those materials.
(c)  A county that has adopted the method under this section:
(1)  shall administer the required examination to a potential volunteer deputy registrar at any time during the county voter registrar's regular business hours; and
(2)  is not required to hold in-person training sessions for potential volunteer deputy registrars.
(d)  At the time a person satisfactorily completes the examination in compliance with standards adopted by the secretary of state, the registrar shall appoint the person as a volunteer deputy registrar and advise the person:
(1)  of county-specific procedures for processing voter registration applications, if applicable; and
(2)  that the only requirements for voter registration are those prescribed by state law or by the secretary of state.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1269 (S.B. 142), Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter C. Action on Application by Registrar › Section 13.071. Review of Application

Sec. 13.071.  REVIEW OF APPLICATION.  (a)  The registrar shall review each submitted application for registration to determine whether it complies with Section 13.002 and indicates that the applicant is eligible for registration.
(b)  The registrar shall make the determination not later than the seventh day after the date the application is submitted to the 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 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter C. Action on Application by Registrar › Section 13.072. Action on Application

Sec. 13.072.  ACTION ON APPLICATION.  (a)  Unless the registrar challenges the applicant, the registrar shall approve the application if:
(1)  the registrar determines that an application complies with Section 13.002 and indicates that the applicant is eligible for registration; and
(2)  for an applicant who has not included a statement described by Section 13.002(c)(8)(C), the registrar verifies with the secretary of state:
(A)  the applicant's Texas driver's license number or number of a personal identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety; or
(B)  the last four digits of the applicant's social security number.
(b)  After approval of an application by an applicant who was registered in another county at the time of application, the registrar shall deliver written notice of the applicant's change of residence to the other county's registrar and include in the notice the applicant's name, former residence address, and former registration number, if known.
(c)  Except as provided by Subsection (d), if the registrar determines that an application does not comply with Section 13.002 or does not indicate that the applicant is eligible for registration, the registrar shall reject the application.
(d)  If an application clearly indicates that the applicant resides in another county, the registrar shall forward the application to the other county's registrar not later than the second day after the date the application is received.  The date of submission of a completed application to the wrong registrar is considered to be the date of submission to the proper registrar for purposes of determining the effective date of the registration.
(e)  Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1316, Sec. 44, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 415, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 559, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1349, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1316, Sec. 5, 44, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1105 (H.B. 2280), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2006.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 3107), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter C. Action on Application by Registrar › Section 13.073. Notice of Rejection

Sec. 13.073.  NOTICE OF REJECTION.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), the registrar shall deliver written notice of the reason for the rejection of an application to the applicant not later than the second day after the date of rejection.
(b)  If the registrar rejects an application in the applicant's presence, at that time the registrar shall orally inform the applicant of the reason for the rejection.  If the rejection is for incompleteness, the registrar shall return the application to the applicant for completion and resubmission.
(c)  If the registrar rejects an application for incompleteness but receives a completed application not later than the 10th day after the date the notice is delivered under Subsection (a) or the date the incomplete application is returned under Subsection (b), as applicable, the original date of submission of the incomplete application is considered to be the date of submission to the registrar for the purpose of determining the effective date of registration.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1316, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter C. Action on Application by Registrar › Section 13.074. Challenge of Applicant

Sec. 13.074.  CHALLENGE OF APPLICANT.  (a)  If after determining that an application complies with Section 13.002 and indicates that the applicant is eligible for registration, the registrar has reason to believe the applicant is not eligible for registration or the application was submitted in an unauthorized manner, the registrar shall challenge the applicant.
(b)  The registrar shall indicate on the application of a challenged applicant that the applicant's eligibility or the manner of submission of the application has been challenged and the date of the challenge.
(c)  The registrar may not challenge an applicant later than the second day after the date the application is determined to comply with Section 13.002 and indicate that the applicant is eligible for registration.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter C. Action on Application by Registrar › Section 13.075. Notice of Challenge to Applicant

Sec. 13.075.  NOTICE OF CHALLENGE TO APPLICANT.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the registrar shall deliver written notice of the challenge to the applicant not later than the second day after the date of the challenge.
(b)  The notice must include:
(1)  the date of the challenge;
(2)  a statement of the grounds for the challenge;  and
(3)  a brief explanation of the applicant's right to a hearing on the challenge and the right to appeal the registrar's decision.
(c)  If a challenge is made in the applicant's presence, at that time the registrar shall orally explain to the applicant the grounds for the challenge and the applicant's right to a hearing and appeal.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter C. Action on Application by Registrar › Section 13.076. Request for Hearing on Challenge

Sec. 13.076.  REQUEST FOR HEARING ON CHALLENGE.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), to be entitled to a hearing on a challenge, the applicant must file a written, signed request for a hearing with the registrar not later than the 10th day after the date of the challenge.
(b)  If a challenge is made in the applicant's presence, at that time the applicant may orally request a hearing.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter C. Action on Application by Registrar › Section 13.077. Hearing on Challenge

Sec. 13.077.  HEARING ON CHALLENGE.  (a)  On the timely filing or making of a hearing request, the registrar shall schedule a hearing on the challenge.
(b)  The registrar shall conduct the hearing not later than the 10th day after the date the request is filed or made or at a later date on the applicant's request.
(c)  The applicant may appear personally at the hearing to offer evidence or argument.  The applicant may offer evidence or argument by affidavit without personally appearing if the applicant submits the affidavit to the registrar before the hearing begins.
(d)  If a challenge is made in the applicant's presence and the applicant orally requests a hearing, the hearing may be conducted at that time with the applicant's consent.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter C. Action on Application by Registrar › Section 13.078. Notice of Hearing

Sec. 13.078.  NOTICE OF HEARING.  (a)  The registrar shall deliver to a challenged applicant written notice of the date, hour, and place set for the hearing on the challenge not later than the second day after the date the hearing request is filed or made.
(b)  This section does not apply to a hearing conducted under Section 13.077(d).
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter C. Action on Application by Registrar › Section 13.079. Determination of Challenge

Sec. 13.079.  DETERMINATION OF CHALLENGE.  (a)  After hearing and considering the evidence or argument, the registrar shall promptly determine the challenge and issue a decision in writing.
(b)  If the registrar determines that the applicant is eligible for registration or that the manner of submission of the application was authorized, the registrar shall approve the application.
(c)  If the registrar determines that the applicant is not eligible for registration or that the manner of submission of the application was unauthorized, the registrar shall reject the application.
(d)  The registrar shall retain a copy of the decision on file with the applicant's registration application and shall deliver a copy to the applicant.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter C. Action on Application by Registrar › Section 13.080. Recording Rejection

Sec. 13.080.  RECORDING REJECTION.  On rejection of an applicant's registration application, the registrar shall enter the date of and reason for the rejection on the application.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter D. Application Files › Section 13.101. Active Application File

Sec. 13.101.  ACTIVE APPLICATION FILE.  (a)  The registrar shall maintain a file containing the approved registration applications of the registered voters of the county.
(b)  The registrar shall maintain the file in alphabetical order by voter name on a countywide basis.  However, the registrar may maintain the file in numerical order by registration number if the registrar regularly maintains a list of registered voters in alphabetical order by voter name on a countywide basis.
(c)  Each application shall be retained on file during the time the registration is effective.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter D. Application Files › Section 13.102. Inactive Application File

Sec. 13.102.  INACTIVE APPLICATION FILE.  (a)  The registrar shall maintain a file containing the rejected applications of applicants for registration.
(b)  The registrar shall maintain a file, separate from the file maintained under Subsection (a), containing the applications of the voters whose registrations have been canceled.
(c)  The registrar shall maintain each file in alphabetical order by applicant or voter name on a countywide basis.
(d)  Each application shall be retained on file for two years after the date of rejection or cancellation.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter D. Application Files › Section 13.103. Place for Keeping Files; Security

Sec. 13.103.  PLACE FOR KEEPING FILES;  SECURITY.  (a)  The registration application files maintained under this subchapter shall be kept in the registrar's office at all times in a place and manner ensuring their security.
(b)  Applications may be removed from the registrar's office temporarily, in a manner ensuring their security, for use in preparing registration certificates, lists of registered voters, and other registration documents by electronic data-processing methods.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter D. Application Files › Section 13.104. Optional Storage Method

Sec. 13.104.  OPTIONAL STORAGE METHOD.  (a)  Instead of keeping the original registration applications and supporting documentation as required by this title, the registrar may record the applications and documentation on an optical disk or other computer storage medium approved by the secretary of state.
(b)  The storage medium must allow for the creation of a copy of an application or supporting documentation.
(c)  The secretary of state shall prescribe any procedures necessary to implement this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter E. Official Application Forms › Section 13.121. Official Form for Registration by Mail

Sec. 13.121.  OFFICIAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION BY MAIL.  (a)  The officially prescribed application form for registration by mail must be in the form of a business reply postcard, unless another form or system is used under Subsection (b), with postage paid by the state. The secretary of state shall design the form to enhance the legibility of its contents.
(b)  The secretary of state shall obtain a permit from the United States Postal Service for use of the postage-paid application form and shall arrange for payment of the postal charges with warrants issued by the comptroller of public accounts.  The secretary may use any other form or system made available by the United States Postal Service if the form or system is less costly than the business reply system.
(c)  The secretary of state shall have the official application forms for registration by mail printed and shall furnish the forms without charge to each registrar in a quantity the secretary determines sufficient for the proper conduct of voter registration.
(d)  The secretary of state shall prescribe the procedures necessary to implement this section.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 472, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1315, Sec. 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2004.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter F. Initial Registration › Section 13.141. Registration Number

Sec. 13.141.  REGISTRATION NUMBER.  The secretary of state shall prescribe a uniform system for assigning voter registration numbers.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1105 (H.B. 2280), Sec. 2, eff. January 1, 2006.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter F. Initial Registration › Section 13.142. Initial Registration Certificate

Sec. 13.142.  INITIAL REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE.  (a)  After approval of a registration application, the registrar shall:
(1)  prepare a voter registration certificate and issue the original certificate to the applicant; and
(2)  enter the applicant's county election precinct number and registration number on the applicant's registration application.
(b)  In this code, "initial certificate" means a registration certificate issued under this section.
(c)  An initial certificate takes effect on the effective date of the registration and expires the following January 1 of an even-numbered year.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 436, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 472, Sec. 53, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 3107), Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter F. Initial Registration › Section 13.143. Effective Date of Registration; Period of Effectiveness

Sec. 13.143.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF REGISTRATION;  PERIOD OF EFFECTIVENESS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (e), if an applicant's registration application is approved, the registration becomes effective on the 30th day after the date the application is submitted to the registrar or on the date the applicant becomes 18 years of age, whichever is later.
(b)  A registration is effective for purposes of early voting if it will be effective on election day.
(c)  A registration is effective until canceled under this code.
(d)  For purposes of determining the effective date of a registration, an application submitted by:
(1)  mail is considered to be submitted to the registrar on the date it is placed with postage prepaid and properly addressed in the United States mail; or
(2)  telephonic facsimile machine is considered to be submitted to the registrar on the date the transmission is received by the registrar, subject to Subsection (d-2).
(d-1)  The date indicated by the post office cancellation mark is considered to be the date the application was placed in the mail unless proven otherwise.
(d-2)  For a registration application submitted by telephonic facsimile machine to be effective, a copy of the original registration application containing the voter's original signature must be submitted by personal delivery or mail and be received by the registrar not later than the fourth business day after the transmission by telephonic facsimile machine is received.
(e)  If the 30th day before the date of an election is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal state or national holiday, an application is considered to be timely if it is submitted to the registrar on or before the next regular business day.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 416, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 203, Sec. 2.31;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 554, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 916, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1993;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 454, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1349, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1178 (S.B. 910), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 3107), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter F. Initial Registration › Section 13.144. Delivery of Initial Certificate to Voter

Sec. 13.144.  DELIVERY OF INITIAL CERTIFICATE TO VOTER.  (a)  Not later than the 30th day after the date the registrar receives the application, the registrar shall deliver the original of an initial certificate:
(1)  in person to the applicant or the applicant's agent appointed under Section 13.003; or
(2)  by mail to the applicant.
(b)  If delivery is by mail, the registrar shall send the certificate to the mailing address on the applicant's registration application.
(c)  Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 844, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 844 (H.B. 1044), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 844 (H.B. 1044), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter F. Initial Registration › Section 13.145. Unlawful Delivery of Certificate

Sec. 13.145.  UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATE.  (a)  A voter registrar commits an offense if the registrar knowingly delivers a registration certificate to a person other than the applicant or the applicant's agent appointed under Section 13.003.
(b)  An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 13 - Application for Registration; Initial Registration › Subchapter F. Initial Registration › Section 13.146. Confirmation Notice on Return of Initial Certificate

Sec. 13.146.  CONFIRMATION NOTICE ON RETURN OF INITIAL CERTIFICATE.  (a)  If an initial certificate delivered to the applicant by mail is returned to the registrar undelivered, the registrar shall promptly deliver to the applicant a confirmation notice in accordance with Section 15.051.
(b)  If the applicant fails to submit a response to the registrar in accordance with Section 15.053, the registrar shall enter the applicant's name on the suspense list.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 5.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 14 - Renewal of Registration › Subchapter A. Issuance of Renewal Certificate › Section 14.001. Renewal Registration Certificate

Sec. 14.001.  RENEWAL REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE.  (a)  On or after November 15 but before December 6 of each odd-numbered year, the registrar shall issue a voter registration certificate to each voter in the county whose registration is effective on the preceding November 14 and whose name does not appear on the suspense list.
(b)  In this code, "renewal certificate" means a registration certificate issued under this section.
(c)  A renewal certificate is valid for two years beginning on January 1 following its issuance.
(d)  At the time the registrar issues an initial certificate for a voter whose registration will be effective after November 14 of an odd-numbered year and before January 1 of the following year, the registrar shall also issue the voter a renewal certificate.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1986, 69th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 14, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 436, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 472, Sec. 54, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 14 - Renewal of Registration › Subchapter A. Issuance of Renewal Certificate › Section 14.002. Delivery of Renewal Certificate to Voter

Sec. 14.002.  DELIVERY OF RENEWAL CERTIFICATE TO VOTER.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (d), the registrar shall deliver a voter's renewal certificate by mail to the mailing address on the voter's registration application.
(b)  The certificate, if mailed without an envelope, or the envelope containing the certificate must contain an instruction to the postal authorities not to forward it to any other address and to return it to the registrar if the addressee is no longer at the address to which the certificate was mailed.
(c)  The registrar may not mail the certificate in the same envelope with a tax statement.
(d)  The registrar shall deliver a renewal certificate issued under Section 14.001(d) with the voter's initial certificate.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 14 - Renewal of Registration › Subchapter B. Return of Renewal Certificate › Section 14.021. Disposition of Returned Renewal Certificate

Sec. 14.021.  DISPOSITION OF RETURNED RENEWAL CERTIFICATE.  On the return to the registrar of an undelivered renewal certificate that was mailed to a voter, the registrar shall file the certificate with the voter's registration application and, not later than January 2 following the mailing of certificates, enter the voter's name on the suspense list.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Renumbered from Election Code Sec. 14.022 and amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 14 - Renewal of Registration › Subchapter B. Return of Renewal Certificate › Section 14.022. Erroneous Return of Renewal Certificate

Sec. 14.022.  ERRONEOUS RETURN OF RENEWAL CERTIFICATE.  If the registrar determines that a voter's renewal certificate was returned undelivered solely because of postal service error, address reclassification, or the registrar's clerical error, the registrar shall delete the voter's name from the suspense list, make any other appropriate corrections in the registration records, and deliver the certificate to the voter.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Renumbered from Election Code Sec. 14.023 and amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 14 - Renewal of Registration › Subchapter B. Return of Renewal Certificate › Section 14.023. Confirmation Notice After Return of Renewal Certificate

Sec. 14.023.  CONFIRMATION NOTICE AFTER RETURN OF RENEWAL CERTIFICATE.  (a)  After January 1 but not later than March 1 of each even-numbered year, the registrar shall deliver a confirmation notice in accordance with Section 15.051 to each voter whose name appears on the suspense list under this subchapter.
(b)  If the voter fails to submit a response to the registrar in accordance with Section 15.053, the voter's name remains on the suspense list.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 5.02, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 15 - General Administration of Registration › Subchapter A. Form and Contents of Registration Certificate; Replacement of Certificate › Section 15.001. Required Contents

Sec. 15.001.  REQUIRED CONTENTS.  (a)  Each voter registration certificate issued must contain:
(1)  the voter's name in the form indicated by the voter, subject to applicable requirements prescribed by Section 13.002 and by rule of the secretary of state;
(2)  the voter's residence address or, if the residence has no address, the address at which the voter receives mail and a concise description of the location of the voter's residence;
(3)  the year of the voter's birth;
(4)  the number of the county election precinct in which the voter resides;
(5)  the voter's effective date of registration if an initial certificate;
(6)  the voter's registration number;
(7)  an indication of the period for which the certificate is issued;
(8)  a statement explaining the circumstances under which the voter will receive a new certificate;
(9)  a space for stamping the voter's political party affiliation;
(10)  a statement that voting with the certificate by a person other than the person in whose name the certificate is issued is a felony;
(11)  a space for the voter's signature;
(12)  a statement that the voter must sign the certificate personally, if able to sign, immediately on receipt;
(13)  a space for the voter to correct the information on the certificate followed by a signature line;
(14)  the statement: "If any information on this certificate changes or is incorrect, correct the information in the space provided, sign below, and return this certificate to the voter registrar.";
(15)  the registrar's mailing address and telephone number; and
(16)  the jurisdictional or distinguishing number for the following territorial units in which the voter resides, as determined by the voter registrar:
(A)  congressional district;
(B)  state senatorial district;
(C)  state representative district;
(D)  commissioners precinct;
(E)  justice precinct;
(F)  city election precinct; and
(G)  school district election precinct.
(b)  A certificate may not contain:
(1)  the voter's telephone number;
(2)  the voter's social security number;  or
(3)  except as provided by Section 15.002, any other information not specified by Subsection (a).
(c)  A certificate issued to a voter who meets the certification requirements of Section 13.002(i) must contain an indication that the voter is exempt from the requirement to present identification other than the registration certificate before being accepted for voting.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 436, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 390, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 532 (S.B. 932), Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 2007.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 123 (S.B. 14), Sec. 2, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 3107), Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 2 - Voter Qualifications and Registration › Chapter 15 - General Administration of Registration › Subchapter A. Form and Contents of Registration Certificate; Replacement of Certificate › Section 15.002. Optional Contents

Sec. 15.002.  OPTIONAL CONTENTS.  (a)  A voter registration certificate may contain an explanation of the voter's rights or duties under this code, including:
(1)  the procedure by which the voter will receive a renewal certificate;
(2)  the necessity of notifying the registrar if the voter changes residence;
(3)  the necessity of applying for a new registration if the voter changes residence to another county;
(4)  the period during which the voter may vote a limited ballot after changing residence to another county;
(5)  the procedure for voting without a certificate;  and
(6)  the procedure for obtaining a replacement for a lost or destroyed certificate.
(b)  An explanation authorized by Subsection (a) may appear on a separate sheet accompanying the certificate when it is delivered.
(c)  In addition to the territorial units required to be listed on a voter registration certificate under Section 15.001(a)(16), a certificate may contain up to seven jurisdictional or distinguishing numbers for any other territorial units in which the voter resides.
(d)  A voter registration certificate may contain the voter's sex.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 916, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1993;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 797, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 532 (S.B. 932), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.