Bill > HB465

This bill modifies Texas election law to introduce a preferential voting system for mail-in voters during runoff elections. Specifically, the bill requires early voting clerks to provide mail-in voters with runoff election ballots and a second carrier envelope at the same time as their general election ballot. The runoff ballot will use a preferential voting system, where voters can rank candidates numerically from most to least favored. When a runoff occurs, the voter's ballot will be counted, and their vote will be assigned to the highest-ranked candidate on their runoff ballot. The Secretary of State must develop detailed procedures for this preferential voting system and create instructions that county clerks must post online and mail to voters along with their runoff ballots. The goal appears to be giving mail-in voters a more nuanced way to express their preferences in runoff elections, ensuring their vote can still be meaningful even if their first-choice candidate is not in the runoff. The provisions of this bill will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB465