Bill > SB76

This bill eliminates the countywide polling place program in Texas by making several targeted changes to the Election Code. Specifically, the bill removes references to the countywide polling place program from existing sections of election law, reduces the number of student election clerks that can serve at a polling place (eliminating the previous higher limit for countywide polling places), and repeals several sections of the Election Code related to the program. The bill modifies requirements for electronic voting devices, removing language specific to countywide polling places while maintaining other technical standards for voter check-in and data tracking. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that it does not impact early voting by personal appearance or prevent voters from casting ballots at branch polling places within their early voting clerk's territory. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving election officials time to adjust to the new requirements. The primary effect of this legislation is to discontinue the countywide polling place program, which previously allowed voters to cast ballots at any polling place within their county, potentially streamlining and standardizing polling place operations.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB76