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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the numbering and signing of ballots by early voting |
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clerks and deputy early voting clerks. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 85.0311, Election Code, is amended to |
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read as follows: |
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Sec. 85.0311. DEPUTY EARLY VOTING CLERK TO SIGN BALLOTS. |
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(a) The deputy early voting clerk's signature or initials shall be |
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placed on the back of each ballot to be used at the polling place |
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where the deputy early voting clerk accepts voters voting by |
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personal appearance. |
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(b) The deputy early voting clerk at a polling place shall |
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enter the signature or initials of the deputy early voting clerk on |
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each ballot [or a deputy early voting clerk shall stamp a facsimile |
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of the initials on each ballot]. |
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(c) The signing of ballots under this section need not be |
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completed before the polls open, but an unsigned ballot may not be |
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made available for selection by a voter. |
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(d) The duties of a deputy early voting clerk and the |
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placement of a signature or initials required by this section may |
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not be satisfied using automation of any type. |
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(e) The secretary of state may not adopt a rule modifying or |
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waiving the requirements of this section. |
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SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 213, Election Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 213.017 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 213.017. RECOUNT OF CERTAIN BALLOTS. During a |
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recount, ballots that do not comply with the requirements of |
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Section 85.0311 shall be counted separately. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |