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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to an option on ballots to choose not to vote in a race. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 52, Election Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 52.0685 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 52.0685. OPTION TO AFFIRMATIVELY CHOOSE NOT TO VOTE. |
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(a) Voters shall be given the opportunity to select "I choose not to |
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vote in this race" instead of voting for the candidates appearing on |
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the ballot or the list of write-in candidates for each race. |
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(b) The secretary of state shall prescribe the form and |
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manner of placing the option "I choose not to vote in this race" on |
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the ballot. |
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SECTION 2. Section 52.070(b), Election Code, as effective |
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September 1, 2021, is amended to read as follows: |
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(b) Immediately below "OFFICIAL BALLOT," the following |
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instruction shall be printed: "Vote for the candidate of your |
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choice in each race by placing an 'X' or filling in the shape beside |
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the candidate's name, or by placing an 'X' or filling in the shape |
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beside 'I choose not to vote in this race'." |
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SECTION 3. Section 52.070, Election Code, is amended by |
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adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows: |
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(b-1) A shape shall be printed to the left of the option "I |
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choose not to vote in this race" for each office to be voted on in |
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the election. |
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SECTION 4. This Act takes effect December 1, 2021. |