Bill Text: TX HB132 | 2021 | 87th Legislature 2nd Special Session | Introduced


Bill Title: Relating to an option on ballots to choose not to vote in a race.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-08-09 - Filed [HB132 Detail]

Download: Texas-2021-HB132-Introduced.html
  87S20410 SLB-D
 
  By: Swanson H.B. No. 132
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to an option on ballots to choose not to vote in a race.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 52, Election Code, is
  amended by adding Section 52.0685 to read as follows:
         Sec. 52.0685.  OPTION TO AFFIRMATIVELY CHOOSE NOT TO VOTE.
  (a) Voters shall be given the opportunity to select "I choose not to
  vote in this race" instead of voting for the candidates appearing on
  the ballot or the list of write-in candidates for each race.
         (b)  The secretary of state shall prescribe the form and
  manner of placing the option "I choose not to vote in this race" on
  the ballot.
         SECTION 2.  Section 52.070(b), Election Code, as effective
  September 1, 2021, is amended to read as follows:
         (b)  Immediately below "OFFICIAL BALLOT," the following
  instruction shall be printed: "Vote for the candidate of your
  choice in each race by placing an 'X' or filling in the shape beside
  the candidate's name, or by placing an 'X' or filling in the shape
  beside 'I choose not to vote in this race'."
         SECTION 3.  Section 52.070, Election Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
         (b-1)  A shape shall be printed to the left of the option "I
  choose not to vote in this race" for each office to be voted on in
  the election.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect December 1, 2021.
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