H.B. No. 1406 proposes significant amendments to the Texas Election Code to implement a preferential voting system in primary elections, effectively eliminating the need for runoff primaries. The bill removes all references to "runoff primary" elections throughout various sections of the code, indicating a shift towards a system where, if no candidate achieves a majority, votes for the candidate with the fewest votes will be reassigned to the next preferred candidate until a majority is reached. This change aims to streamline the nomination process and enhance voter representation by allowing voters to rank candidates based on their preferences.

In addition to the preferential voting system, the bill modifies several election procedures, including the submission of voting history and the conduct of joint primary elections. It establishes that the secretary of state will create procedures for implementing the new voting system and clarifies the responsibilities of election officials. The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the timing of candidate applications and contest petitions, ensuring independent candidates file within a specified timeframe after a vacancy. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to elections ordered after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 18.069, Election Code 31.093, Election Code 32.091, Election Code 41.001, Election Code 43.007, Election Code 85.001, Election Code 85.062, Election Code 85.072, Election Code 123.033, Election Code 142.006, Election Code 142.008, Election Code 142.009, Election Code 162.004, Election Code 162.005, Election Code 163.004, Election Code 171.022, Election Code 172.004, Election Code 172.061, Election Code 172.126, Election Code 172.127, Election Code 173.083, Election Code 173.0833, Election Code 173.084, Election Code 202.007, Election Code 232.008, Election Code 232.048, Election Code 255.002 (Election Code 162, Election Code 41, Election Code 173, Election Code 255, Election Code 232, Election Code 32, Election Code 142, Election Code 85, Election Code 163, Election Code 171, Election Code 43, Election Code 18, Election Code 31, Election Code 123, Election Code 172, Election Code 202)