House Bill No. 37 seeks to delineate federal elections from state and local elections in Texas by establishing distinct practices and procedures for each. The bill amends the Election Code to introduce definitions for "federal election," "federal judge," and "federal office," while clarifying that federal elections will not include propositions or elections for state or county offices on their ballots. It mandates that federal elections be conducted separately, although they may occur concurrently in the same precincts and polling locations. Additionally, the bill creates a new subtitle dedicated to federal elections, detailing provisions for voter registration and the conduct of these elections, including specific dates for general and primary elections for federal officers.

The bill also streamlines the voter registration and candidate nomination processes by allowing the submission of a federal postcard application by unregistered applicants to serve as registration for voting in state, county, and federal elections, provided it meets certain criteria. It specifies the authorities responsible for filing applications for ballot placement, withdrawal requests, and declarations of candidacy, distinguishing between various office levels. Key amendments include new subsections that clarify the registration process for federal and state elections and outline the responsibilities of the Secretary of State and county judges in managing these applications, ultimately aiming to enhance the efficiency and clarity of election procedures in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 1.002, Election Code 1.005, Election Code 11.002, Election Code 15.003, Election Code 41.007, Election Code 42.002, Election Code 67.010, Election Code 84.014, Election Code 101.052, Election Code 101.053, Election Code 101.055, Election Code 142.005, Election Code 145.033, Election Code 145.037, Election Code 146.024, Election Code 161.008, Election Code 163.006, Election Code 172.059, Election Code 172.121, Election Code 172.122, Election Code 173.063, Election Code 181.0311, Election Code 181.032, Election Code 181.068, Election Code 231.008, Election Code 232.013, Election Code 232.048, Election Code 252.005 (Election Code 41, Election Code 15, Election Code 252, Election Code 146, Election Code 161, Election Code 67, Election Code 142, Election Code 172, Election Code 84, Election Code 173, Election Code 181, Election Code 1, Election Code 145, Election Code 101, Election Code 11, Election Code 42, Election Code 231, Election Code 163, Election Code 232)