Bill > HB1218

This bill modifies Texas Election Code provisions to ensure that early voting ballots sent by mail can be returned without the voter paying postage. Specifically, the bill requires that the official carrier envelope for mail-in ballots be prepared so it can be mailed free of charge, meaning the return postage will be prepaid by the government. The bill mandates that the carrier envelope must now include an indication that return postage for the envelope and balloting materials is prepaid, and requires the secretary of state to adopt rules for implementing this change. The new provisions will apply only to elections ordered on or after September 1, 2025, which is the bill's effective date. By eliminating the cost barrier of postage, the bill aims to make voting by mail more accessible and convenient for voters in Texas, potentially increasing voter participation by removing a potential financial obstacle to casting a ballot.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1218