Bill > HB540

This bill proposes to add a new subchapter to the Texas Election Code that allows municipalities and independent school districts to optionally use preferential voting (also known as ranked-choice voting) for nonpartisan elections. Under this system, voters can rank candidates in order of preference, from most to least favored. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to voters' next-ranked candidates. This process continues until one candidate receives a majority. The bill specifies that the secretary of state will develop procedures for implementing this voting method and set filing deadlines. Importantly, the bill eliminates primary elections and runoff elections for offices using this system, streamlining the election process. The new voting system would become available for use starting September 1, 2025, giving local governments time to prepare and potentially adopt the new election method. This approach aims to provide more nuanced voter representation by allowing people to express preferences beyond a simple single-choice vote.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB540