Bill > HB1858

This bill modifies Texas Election Code provisions related to early voting, expanding flexibility for election authorities to conduct early voting. The bill introduces the concept of an "extended early voting period" that can continue for multiple consecutive days up to the day before an election, in addition to traditional weekend voting. For primary and general state and county officer elections, the bill maintains the existing requirement of at least 12 consecutive hours of voting on the last Saturday (between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.) and at least 6 consecutive hours on the last Sunday (between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.). For other elections with extended voting, authorities must provide at least 12 hours of voting on weekdays and Saturdays, and at least 5 hours on Sundays. The bill also clarifies that the registrar's office must remain open during these extended voting hours to provide voter registration information. Additionally, the bill standardizes language across various sections of the Election Code to reflect these changes, such as updating references from "Saturday or Sunday" voting to "extended" voting. These modifications aim to provide more consistent and accessible early voting opportunities across different types of elections in Texas, with the changes set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1858