SRC-TNM S.B. 83 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 83 By: Ellis State Affairs 3-10-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the lack of voter participation is a concern in many areas across Texas. One reason for this is that there are a number of citizens of voting age who are not registered to vote. S.B. 83 allows eligible persons to register at their polling place and vote on the same day provided they are otherwise eligible to vote, fill out a voter registration application, and can show identification establishing identity and residence. S.B. 83 also requires persons who register and vote on the same day to be processed separately at the polling place from those who are already registered voters. The goal of S.B. 83 is to increase the state's voter participation numbers. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 83 outlines provisions relating to the registration of voters at a polling place. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 63, Election Code, by adding Section 63.0091, as follows: Sec. 63.0091. REGISTRATION AT POLLING PLACE; VOTING PROCEDURES. Provides that this section applies to the conduct of voting and to the registration of voters notwithstanding and in addition to other applicable provisions of this code. Sets forth the provisions required for a person eligible to vote in an election under Section 11.001 to be accepted for voting in the precinct of the person's residence. Requires persons voting under this section to be processed separately at the polling place from persons voting under regular procedures and requires the secretary of the state to prescribe the procedures necessary to implement this section and ensure the proper conduct of elections. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.