House Bill No. 1917 aims to enhance early voting by mail in Texas by allowing any qualified voter to vote early by mail and introducing electronic transmission of ballots. The bill amends the Election Code, specifically Section 4.003, which now requires counties to provide detailed notices of polling places for both election day and early voting. It also establishes a new section, 81.006, mandating the creation of an accessible absentee ballot system for voters with disabilities. Additionally, the bill clarifies eligibility for early voting by mail, allowing voters to apply for ballots for both main and runoff elections simultaneously and ensuring that applications can be submitted electronically.

The legislation also repeals certain criminal offenses related to the solicitation and distribution of mail-in voting applications, streamlining the voting process. It introduces provisions for voters aged 65 or older and those with physical conditions requiring long-term care to apply for mail-in ballots. Furthermore, it allows civilly committed individuals to register their residence at designated facilities. A new chapter, Chapter 101A, is established for the e-mail transmission of early voting materials, ensuring confidentiality and outlining the process for requesting and returning ballots electronically. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply to elections ordered on or after that date.

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 87, Election Code 13, Election Code 84, Election Code 4, Election Code 86, Election Code 102, Election Code 82)