The bill would amend the Election Code to require comparison of voters' signatures on ballots voted by mail to the signature on the corresponding application to vote by mail, unless the application was signed by a witness. The early voting clerk would also be required to make available for review signatures for each applicant for a ballot to be voted by mail from the previous six years and to have software available to electronically display available signatures.
It is assumed that the costs associated with the bill's provisions relating to ballots voted by mail could be absorbed using existing resources.
According to the Election Administrator for Aransas County, implementing the bill's provisions would require the purchase of a new Voter Registration and Election Management System at the cost of $24,000 in the first year and $14,000 in each year after that.
According to the Election Administrator for Brazos County, an additional cost of $80,000 plus software costs for a new Voter Registration System is anticipated.
The El Paso County Election Administrator estimates the cost of implementing the bill's provisions to be up to $800,000, including a scanner and new software and maintenance costs.
The Election Administrator for Tarrant County expects no significant fiscal impact to the county.
The Ellis County Election Administrator anticipates that implementing the bill's provisions could be accomplished by spending $8,000 on additional computers or hiring temporary workers to print voter records.