Bill Text: TX HB189 | 2021 | 87th Legislature 1st 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) 2021-07-09 - Filed [HB189 Detail]
Download: Texas-2021-HB189-Introduced.html
| 87S10278 SLB-D | ||
| By: Swanson | H.B. No. 189 | |
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| 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. | ||
