S.B. No. 106 seeks to establish a distinct separation between federal elections and state and local elections in Texas by amending various sections of the Election Code. The bill introduces new definitions for "federal election," "federal office," and "federal ballot," and mandates that federal elections be conducted separately from state and local elections. It specifies that federal ballots will only include candidates for federal office, prohibiting the inclusion of state or county propositions. Additionally, the bill requires federal elections to be held concurrently with state elections at the same precincts and polling locations to reduce voter confusion. The Secretary of State is tasked with adopting rules to ensure the smooth conduct of these elections.

Furthermore, 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 will count as registration for voting in elections for both state and federal officers, provided certain requirements are met. The bill also outlines the authorities responsible for ballot placement and withdrawal requests, emphasizing the roles of the Secretary of State and county judges. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline election procedures, enhance clarity regarding election officials' responsibilities, and ensure consistency in the treatment of federal and statewide offices. The act 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 161, Election Code 146, Election Code 231, Election Code 163, Election Code 101, Election Code 42, Election Code 173, Election Code 172, Election Code 1, Election Code 67, Election Code 181, Election Code 15, Election Code 252, Election Code 232, Election Code 41, Election Code 84, Election Code 142, Election Code 11, Election Code 145)