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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to voting after polls close during early voting. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 85, Election Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 85.0055 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 85.0055. VOTING AFTER POLLS CLOSE. (a) A voter who |
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has not voted before the time for closing an early voting polling |
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place is entitled to vote after that time if the voter is inside or |
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waiting to enter the polling place at closing time. |
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(b) If voters are waiting to enter the polling place at |
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closing time, the presiding judge shall direct them to enter the |
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polling place and shall close it to others. However, if that |
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procedure is impracticable, at closing time the presiding judge |
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shall distribute numbered identification cards to the waiting |
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voters and permit entry into the polling place for voting after |
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closing time only by those possessing a card. |
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(c) The presiding judge shall take the precautions |
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necessary to prevent voting after closing time by persons who are |
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not entitled to do so. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |