The bill amends the Texas Election Code to create a distinct separation between federal elections and state and local elections. It defines "federal election" to include primary and general elections for federal offices while excluding elections for presidential electors. New definitions for "federal judge" and "federal office" are introduced, and the bill mandates that federal elections be conducted separately from state and county elections, although they may take place at the same polling locations. Federal ballots will exclusively list candidates for federal offices, omitting any state or county propositions. Additionally, the bill outlines voter eligibility criteria for federal elections, including provisions for military service voters and those temporarily residing outside the U.S., and emphasizes the Secretary of State's role in minimizing voter confusion during elections.

Further, the bill clarifies and updates processes related to voter registration and candidate nominations for federal, statewide, and district offices. It establishes that the submission of a federal postcard application by an unregistered applicant counts as registration for voting in both state and county elections, provided it meets specific criteria. The bill also specifies the filing requirements for ballot applications, withdrawal requests, and declarations of write-in candidacy with the appropriate authorities. New legal language is introduced to ensure consistency in the treatment of federal, statewide, and district offices throughout the Election Code, aiming to streamline the electoral process and clarify the responsibilities of election officials. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 1.002, Election Code 1.005, Election Code 11.002, Election Code 15.003, Election Code 41.007, Election Code 42.002, Election Code 67.010, Election Code 84.014, Election Code 101.052, Election Code 101.053, Election Code 101.055, Election Code 142.005, Election Code 145.033, Election Code 145.037, Election Code 146.024, Election Code 161.008, Election Code 163.006, Election Code 172.059, Election Code 172.121, Election Code 172.122, Election Code 173.063, Election Code 181.0311, Election Code 181.032, Election Code 181.068, Election Code 231.008, Election Code 232.013, Election Code 232.048, Election Code 252.005 (Election Code 1, Election Code 181, Election Code 172, Election Code 231, Election Code 67, Election Code 252, Election Code 232, Election Code 41, Election Code 163, Election Code 15, Election Code 173, Election Code 84, Election Code 101, Election Code 142, Election Code 161, Election Code 145, Election Code 11, Election Code 146, Election Code 42)