Bill > HB1406

This bill introduces a preferential voting system for primary elections in Texas, effectively replacing the traditional runoff primary election process. The key provisions include allowing voters to rank candidates by preference, so that if no candidate receives a majority of votes, the candidate with the fewest votes has their votes redistributed to voters' next preferred candidate until one candidate achieves a majority. The bill removes numerous references to "runoff primary elections" throughout the Texas Election Code and establishes a new preferential voting mechanism where voters can numerically rank candidates from most to least favored. This change applies to primary elections for county chairs, precinct chairs, and other political party positions. The bill also makes corresponding technical amendments to various sections of election law to align with the new voting system, such as modifying reporting requirements, election service provisions, and candidate filing procedures. The new voting system will be implemented for elections ordered on or after September 1, 2025, providing time for election officials and political parties to adapt to the new voting method.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1406