The bill, S.B. No. 567, amends the Election Code regarding the use of public school buildings as polling places. It stipulates that while public buildings should be used as polling places when practicable, there are specific restrictions on using buildings owned or controlled by school districts or open-enrollment charter schools. The new language specifies that such buildings cannot be used as polling places if they are located on or adjacent to a school campus, unless certain conditions are met, such as the building being in a county with a population of 50,000 or less where no reasonable alternative polling place can be identified.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that polling places cannot be located at the residence of a candidate for elective office or at the residence of someone related to the candidate within specified degrees of consanguinity or affinity. The amendments aim to ensure that polling places are appropriately situated to maintain the integrity of the electoral process while accommodating the needs of the community. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 43.031 (Election Code 43)