Bill > HB4898

This bill introduces significant changes to the mail-in voting process in Texas by establishing a new "signature sheet" that will be part of the official carrier envelope for mail-in ballots. The bill requires voters to complete a signature sheet with additional identification information, such as their driver's license number, election identification certificate, personal identification card, or the last four digits of their social security number. The signature sheet must also include spaces for witnesses or assistants to provide their personal information and relationship to the voter, with specific requirements about signing in ink and prohibiting electronic or photocopied signatures. The bill modifies multiple sections of the Election Code to standardize how signature sheets are created, used, and handled throughout the voting process, including how they are processed by election officials during signature verification, ballot acceptance, and record-keeping. These changes aim to add more documentation and transparency to the mail-in voting process, with provisions ensuring that signature sheets are carefully managed, retained, and potentially electronically recorded. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving election officials time to prepare for the new procedures.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4898