House Bill No. 3523 aims to enhance the voting process for military families by establishing specific registration procedures at polling places. The bill introduces a new section, 12.007, to the Election Code, which mandates that election officers at each polling place for early voting or on election day be appointed as regular deputy registrars. Additionally, it adds Section 63.010, which outlines the eligibility criteria for military family members to vote without being registered voters, provided they meet certain conditions, such as being a member of the armed forces, a spouse, or a child of a service member. The bill also specifies the identification requirements and the process for these individuals to vote, ensuring they are processed separately from regular voters.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules to ensure accountability among election officers and to implement the new voting procedures effectively. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to elections where early voting begins on or after February 1, 2026. This legislation aims to facilitate the voting rights of military families, recognizing their unique circumstances and ensuring they have access to the electoral process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 85.031 (Election Code 85)