H.B. No. 1917 seeks to improve early voting by mail for qualified voters in Texas by introducing several key provisions, including electronic ballot transmission and the repeal of certain criminal offenses related to the solicitation and distribution of mail-in voting applications. The bill requires counties to post election notices on their websites, which will include polling locations for both election day and early voting, as well as locations for submitting marked ballots. It also establishes an accessible absentee ballot system to assist voters with disabilities in marking and submitting their ballots electronically.

The bill clarifies eligibility for early voting by mail, allowing any qualified voter to vote by mail or in person, while requiring individuals certified in the address confidentiality program to submit their applications in person. It modifies the application process for mail-in ballots, enabling voters to request ballots for both main and runoff elections on a single application and mandates that ballot applications include specific information about the applicant's voting circumstances. Key insertions include provisions for voters aged 65 and older, those with physical conditions requiring long-term care, and individuals civilly committed as sexually violent predators. The bill also introduces a new chapter for the e-mail transmission of balloting materials, ensuring confidentiality of voters' e-mail addresses, and modifies the process for returning marked ballots to enhance accessibility and security. The changes will take effect for elections ordered on or after September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 4.003, Election Code 13.002, Election Code 82.005, Election Code 82.007, Election Code 84.001, Election Code 84.002, Election Code 84.009, Election Code 84.011, Election Code 86.001, Election Code 86.0015, Election Code 86.003, Election Code 86.004, Election Code 86.006, Election Code 87.0223, Election Code 86.007, Election Code 87.0431, Election Code 102.001 (Election Code 84, Election Code 102, Election Code 86, Election Code 13, Election Code 4, Election Code 82, Election Code 87)