Texas
Texas has some of the strictest laws in place to ensure election and voter integrity. State regulations include the allowance of poll watchers and strict anti-voter intimidation laws.
Poll Watchers
Poll watchers are permitted in Texas and are appointed to observe the conduct of an election on behalf of a candidate, a political party, or the proponents or opponents of a measure.
To be eligible to serve as a poll watcher, a person must:
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be a registered voter of the territory covered by the election and of the county for November general elections for state and county officers, primary elections, or other countywide elections; [Sec. 33.031]
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not be a candidate for public office in an election held on the day the watcher seeks to serve; [Sec. 33.032
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not hold an elective public office; [Sec. 33.034]
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not be an employee of an election judge or clerk serving at the same polling place; [Sec. 33.033]
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not been convicted of an offense in connection with conduct directly attributable to an election; [Sec. 33.035]
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not be related to an election judge or clerk serving at that polling place. A watcher may be related to the candidate the watcher is representing. [Sec. 33.033]
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Anti-Voter Intimidation Laws
Voter intimidation and election interference is strictly prohibited and is considered a second-degree felony. Even attempted intimidation receives a state jail felony.
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Voter intimidation includes:
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Aggressively questioning voters about their citizenship, criminal record, or other qualifications to vote, in a manner intended to interfere with the voters’ rights.
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Falsely representing oneself as an elections official.
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Spreading false information about voter requirements, such as an ability to speak English, or the need to present certain types of photo identification (in states with no such requirement).
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Displaying false or misleading signs about voter fraud and related criminal penalties
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Latest Legislation
Although Texas has a track record of secure elections thanks to these protections, Texas lawmakers continue to introduce legislation to reshape the way many Texas citizens exercise their God-given right to vote.
Most recently, Texas leadership has proposed legislation that will limit opportunities to vote. This will affect how veterans and the elderly cast their votes as many of them rely on drop boxes for mail ballots, the mailing of absentee ballots, drive-thru voting, and 24-hour voting locations to vote.
For more information on Texas voting laws, click here.