Bill > HB4652

This bill introduces significant changes to voter registration and party affiliation in Texas, fundamentally altering how voters declare and maintain their political party association. The legislation requires voters to explicitly declare their political party affiliation when registering to vote, with a new option to indicate no affiliation and be listed as "independent". Voters will now need to formally notify the voter registrar of their party affiliation, rather than automatically becoming affiliated by voting in a primary. The bill creates criminal penalties for voting in a party primary without being affiliated with that party, making such actions a potential felony offense. Voters will have until December 31, 2025, to indicate their party preference, after which unresponsive voters will be automatically classified as "independent". The bill mandates that voter registration certificates and voter lists include party affiliation, and establishes new procedures for changing party affiliation. Additionally, the legislation adds provisions requiring voters to be affiliated with a party to vote in that party's primary election, serve as a party delegate, or participate in party conventions. The bill also introduces a new requirement for voter registrars to send notice to all registered voters explaining the new affiliation process, with implementation set to begin on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4652