S.B. No. 1805 amends various sections of the Election Code to update the administration and procedures for early voting by personal appearance in Texas. Notably, the bill adjusts the population threshold for certain provisions related to early voting, changing the limit from 55,000 to 10,000. This change affects how state funds can be used for keeping polling places open during early voting, as well as the hours of operation for early voting polling places in counties with populations of 10,000 or more. Specifically, it mandates that voting in primary and general elections must occur for at least 12 consecutive hours on weekdays during the last week of early voting and on the last weekend of the early voting period.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for early voting clerks in counties with populations under 10,000, stipulating that extended voting hours must be agreed upon by party chairs and publicly posted. It also clarifies that certain provisions apply only to elections in counties with populations of 10,000 or more, ensuring that the law is consistent across different jurisdictions. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to elections for which early voting begins on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 19.004, Election Code 85.005, Election Code 85.006, Election Code 85.064 (Election Code 85, Election Code 19)