Bill > HB4964

This bill modifies Texas Election Code provisions related to early voting by mail, significantly changing eligibility requirements and application procedures. The bill removes several existing grounds for early voting by mail (such as absence from county, confinement in jail, and involuntary civil commitment) and narrows the reasons for voting by mail. It requires early voting ballot applications to include more detailed identification information, such as a driver's license number, election identification certificate, or the last four digits of the applicant's social security number. The bill specifically preserves early voting by mail options for voters aged 65 or older and those with a physical condition preventing them from appearing at the polling place on election day. For individuals in the address confidentiality program (typically victims of domestic violence), the bill maintains special provisions allowing them to submit early voting applications through personal delivery. The changes will apply only to elections ordered on or after September 1, 2025, and aim to potentially restrict and add more verification steps to the mail-in voting process. Notably, the bill eliminates several previous statutory provisions related to early voting by mail, effectively streamlining and constraining the process.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4964