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78R2287 ATP-D

By:  Jones of Dallas                                              H.B. No. 1517



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the posting of a list of voters' rights at a polling 
place.     
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 31.0055(b), Election Code, is amended to 
read as follows:
	(b)  A notice informing voters of the telephone number and 
the purpose for the number shall be included on the notice of 
voters' rights posted under Section 62.0115 [continuously posted in 
a prominent location at each polling place during the early voting 
period and on election day for each election held on a uniform 
election date.  The secretary of state shall prescribe the form for 
the notice under this subsection].
	SECTION 2.  Chapter 62, Election Code, is amended by adding 
Section 62.0115 to read as follows:
	Sec. 62.0115.  POSTING OF VOTERS' RIGHTS.  (a)  An election 
officer shall post a notice containing the information prescribed 
by this section in a prominent location at each polling place.
	(b)  The notice must state that a voter has the right to:               
		(1)  receive a ballot with written instructions on how 
to cast a ballot, if the ballot is a paper ballot or an electronic 
system ballot on which a voter indicates a vote by punching a hole 
in the ballot;
		(2)  vote in secret and free from intimidation;                        
		(3)  receive up to two additional ballots if the voter 
mismarks, damages, or otherwise spoils a ballot;
		(4)  request instructions on how to cast a ballot, but 
not to receive suggestions on how to vote;
		(5)  bring an interpreter to translate the ballot and 
any instructions from election officials;
		(6)  receive assistance in casting the ballot if the 
voter:          
			(A)  has a physical disability that renders the 
voter unable to write or see; or
			(B)  cannot read the language in which the ballot 
is written;       
		(7)  be accepted for voting if, after a voter's 
eligibility to vote is questioned, the voter executes an affidavit 
and presents proof of identification;
		(8)  report an existing or potential abuse of voting 
rights to the secretary of state or the local election official;
		(9)  cast a straight-party vote in an election in which 
a candidate's name is to appear on the ballot as the nominee of a 
political party;
		(10)  except as provided by Section 85.066(b), Election 
Code, vote at any early voting location in the county in which the 
voter resides in an election held at county expense, a primary 
election, or a special election ordered by the governor; and
		(11)  register to vote if the voter has been convicted 
of a felony and has been fully discharged of the sentence for that 
offense.
	(c)  The notice must also state:                                        
		(1)  the information relating to the voting rights 
hotline required under Section 31.0055; and
		(2)  any other information that the secretary of state 
considers important for a voter to know.
	(d)  The secretary of state shall prescribe the form and 
content of the notice in accordance with this section.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003, and 
applies only to an election ordered on or after that date.