Bill > HB3218

This bill establishes a new voting procedure for individuals in county jails in counties with a population of 3.3 million or more (which likely means counties like Harris County/Houston). Specifically, the bill creates county jails as official polling places where pre-trial detainees who have not been finally convicted of their current offense can register to vote and cast ballots. To be eligible, these individuals must submit a voter registration application, provide identification that establishes their county residence, and be otherwise qualified to vote. The bill requires that these voters be processed separately from regular voters at the polling place, and mandates that the county jail provide voter registration applications to eligible inmates who request them. Moreover, the jail-based polling place must allow these individuals to vote in the same elections they would be entitled to vote in at their normal residence. The secretary of state is tasked with developing specific procedures to implement these new voting protocols, and the law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving election officials time to prepare for the new system.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3218