Recommended last date for the county election board (or governing body of political subdivision, as appropriate) to appoint a signature verification committee (if one was ordered by the early voting clerk on Thursday, April 7, 2022). If the notices are combined, both must be delivered by the date required by the earlier notice. Certain Activities in Vicinity of Polling Places - Texas Secretary of State (Sec. This applies only to an election in which the territory served by the early voting clerk is situated in a county with a population under 100,000. Notice of the public L&A Test must be published at least 48 hours before the test begins. (Sec. SOSDirect: Business Searches & Formations, Statutory and Administrative Code References, Joint Election Requirement for School Districts, Extended Early Voting Hours and Branch Locations, Notice of Change of Polling Place Location, Testing Tabulating and Electronic Voting Equipment, Accepting Voters with Certain Disabilities, Law Regarding Faxed or Emailed ABBMs and Faxed FPCAs, Opportunity to Correct Defects in Mail Ballots, Note on Statutory and Administrative Code References, Internet Posting Requirements for Political Subdivisions (PDF), Note on Required Use of County Polling Places, Note on Notice of Candidate Filing Periods. The members must be appointed not later than the fifth day after the order was issued by the early voting clerk. 102.003). 4.003(a)(1)). (Sec. Our recommendation is that both L&A testing and testing of the automatic tabulating equipment take place prior to ballots by mail being sent out. amended Section 85.062 to provide that the location of temporary branch polling places in an election in which countywide polling places are used must be determined with the same methodology that is used for the location of countywide polling places. (Sec. 31.031, 31.071, 31.091). This is the first of the two possible ordering times. amended Chapter 65 of the Election Code by adding Section 65.0581 to provide that provisional voting records do not become public information until after the provisional ballots and other voting records have been delivered back to the custodian of election records. (Sec. 43.062). NOTE-NEW LAW: HB 3107 (2021, R.S.) 22.007, Local Government Code). Confirm you are registered to vote. However, the commissioners court should also complete a localorder (PDF)to ensure that all required actions related to the election have been completed. Sec'y of State Election Advisory No. SeeNotice of Delivery of Early Voting Balloting Materials (PDF). 101.001). (Sec. (Secs. (Sec. any provisional ballots that have been reviewed by the voter registrar. Texas utilizes an open primary system. amended Section 52.094 of the Code to require the authority conducting the drawing to provide notice of the date, hour, and place of the drawing to each candidate by: 1) written notice that is mailed to the address stated on the candidates application not later than the fourth day before the date of the drawing; or 2) provided at the time the candidate files an application with the appropriate authority. Voting in a primary election or general election for state and county officers shall be conducted at the main early voting location for at least 12 hours on each weekday of the last week of the early voting period. This means that L&A testing should be completed before early voting and possibly, before election day, if your election day system is different than your early voting system. Last day of the period for mandatory office hours. (Secs. (Sec. each measure on the ballot. NOTE FOR COUNTIES - Section 4.003 requires that counties post on the county website the notice and list of polling locations of any political subdivision that delivers their notice to the county under Section 4.008. NOTE -Section 67.003 provides that, except as provided by Section 67.003(c), each local canvassing authority shall convene to conduct the local canvass at the time set by the canvassing authoritys presiding officer not later than the 11th day after election day and not earlier than the later of: Counties, Cities, and School Districts: NEW LAW: SB 1116 (2021, R.S.) (Sec. (Sec. (1) a runoff election; (2) an election to resolve a tie vote; (3) an election held under an order of a court or other tribunal; (4) an emergency election ordered under Section 41.0011or any resulting runoff; (5) an expedited election to fill a vacancy in the legislature held under Section 203.013; amended Section 141.034 of the Code to provide that a candidate application cannot be challenged for Form, Content, and Procedure defects after the 50th day before the date of the election for which the application is made. NOTE - School Districts: In addition to the general felony rule at Election Code Sec. 63.0101, 86.006). 85.007(c)). 1, Texas Constitution). A person who isnotpermanently registered to vote and submits a postmarked FPCA after this date (20th day) and before the deadline to submit an application for ballot by mail is not entitled to receive a ballot for any non-federal election. NOTE: If the committee determines that it would not be possible for the voter to correct the defect and return the carrier envelope before the time the polls are required to close on election day, the signature verification committee may notify the voter of the defect by phone or email and inform the voter that the voter may cancel their mail ballot in accordance with Section 84.032 or come to the early voting clerks office in person not later than the sixth day after election day to correct the defect. 11.0581, Texas Education Code; Sec. The second test shall be conducted immediately before the counting of ballots with the equipment begins. 326.0431, Local Government Code; Sec. (Secs. 18.011). However, the commissioners court should also complete a localorder (PDF)to ensure that all required actions related to the election have been completed. and records unless the voter markedmy intent to return is uncertain(2019 form (PDF),or my return is uncertain(2017 form), in which case it will not serve as a permanent registration. 85.006, 85.007). The early voting clerk must also deliver the precinct early voting list. (Sec. The uniform election date in May of an odd-numbered year is a date in which many local political subdivisions, such as cities, school districts, and water districts have their regular general elections for members of their governing bodies or special elections to fill vacancies. 11.066, Education Code). 101.057, 87.125(a)). Deadline to challenge the filing of an application for a place on the ballot as to form, content, and procedure. 86.004. 1502. In addition to the information included above,an order for a debt obligation (bond) election must include (Sec. Secy of State Election Advisory No. The election notice shall be posted on the political subdivisions website. There is no statutory notice requirement for members of the early voting ballot board, but good practice suggests that written notice be given to them. (Sec 43.007). (Secs. (Secs. Permanent Records: Election results must be permanently maintained in the election register. Therefore, the fact that there may be a proposition on the ballot will not prevent a cancellation of an election for candidates who are unopposed. (Sec. If an FPCA is received by this date without a postmark to prove mailing date, the early voting clerk will accept the FPCA and mail the applicant a full ballot even if the applicant is not a permanently registered voter but meets the requirements under Title 2 of the Election Code (unless the voter marks the FPCA form indicatingmy intent to return is uncertain (2019 form (PDF)), or my return is uncertain (2017 form (PDF)), in which case the voter receives a federal-only ballot). We encourage joint election partners to read through the entire calendar, taking note of the rules affecting the partner entities, and to address the differences within the agreement itself. (See Note 3, above.). The requirement to mail the original application does not apply to an emailed FPCA, but does apply to a faxed FPCA. NOTE-NEW LAW: HB 3107 (2021, R.S.) (Sec. NOTE: Section 86.007 provides that a marked ballot voted by mail that a voter received due to submitting an ABBM may arrive at the address on the carrier envelope not later than 5:00 PM on the dayafterelection day, if the carrier envelope was placed for delivery by mail or common or contract carrier fromwithinthe United Statesandbears a cancellation mark of a postal service or a receipt mark of a common or contract carrier or a courier fromnot later than 7:00 PMat the location of the election on election day. (Sec. The public notice of the test of automatic tabulating equipment must be published at least 48 hours before the test begins. The alternate judge is appointed in the same manner as the presiding judge. 86.007, 101.057 and 101.001). 52.094). provides that in an election in which a city secretary is the early voting clerk, voting on any Saturday or Sunday must be included in the order and notice of election. Additionally, this May uniform election date will include proposed constitutional amendments passed by the Texas Legislature during its recent special sessions. 102.003(b)). NOTE - NEW LAW: HB 3107 (2021, R.S.) The presiding judge then appoints an additional clerk(s), but not more than the maximum set by the governing body. 143.007(c), 144.005(d); Sec. Chapter 41. Election Dates and Hours for Voting Last day for the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board to mailNotice of Outcome to Provisional Voter (PDF)to provisional voters, if the canvass was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Seeentry forFebruary 24, 2022, referencing new law regarding ballot drawing. See Tex. Also, see our Sample Order of Cancellation (PDF). (Secs. This notice may be combined with the other notices you are required to publish. 4.002(1), 4.003(a) and (b)). 2020-12 The purpose of this advisory is to provide guidance to local political subdivisions regarding their options for any general or special elections that have been ordered for the May 2, 2020 uniform election date. These issues are expressed in the laws governing elections, which can differ . Deadline for early voting clerk to mail a ballot by mail to a voter if the voter's Application for Ballot by Mail (ABBM) was accepted by the early voting clerk on or before Thursday, March 31, 2022. 87.0222, 87.0241). What Texas voters can and can't wear to the polls | The Texas Tribune Applications to vote by mail must be submitted by mail, common or contract carrier, fax (if a fax machine is available in the office of the early voting clerk), or by electronic submission of a scanned application with an original signature. NOTE: Receipt of Mail Ballots: All early voting ballots sent by mail from inside the United States that are received by 7:00 PM on election day, May 7, 2022,must be counted on election night. 52.094(c)). State of Texas Election Calendar 2022-2024 Elections Effective September 1, 2021, the rules for temporary branch locations are different for counties with a population of 100,000 or more. Mobility problem that substantially impairs a persons ability to ambulate has the meaning assigned by Section 681.001, Transportation Code. (Sec. NOTE NEW LAW: All Political Subdivisions, Except Counties: SB 1 (2021, 2nd C.S.) 4.003(e)). NOTE-NEW LAW: HB 3107 (2021, R.S.) (Sec. (Secs. For further information and all questions about such disclosure filings, campaign finance, and political advertising, please contact the Texas Ethics Commission at 201 E. 14th Street, 10th Floor, Austin, Texas 78701; call 512-463-5800; or access their website. NOTE NEW LAW: SB 1 (2021, 2nd C.S.) 4.007, 32.009(e)). See Note 15, above. The political subdivision should confirm that the most recent maps or boundary changes have been provided to the voter registrar. If a candidate withdraws or is declared ineligible by this date, his or her name is omitted from the ballot. Sec'y of State Election Advisory No. 141.036). 87.0271(f), 87.0411(f)). (Sec. May 1, 2021 Election Law Calendar 61.002). Secy of State Election Advisory No. 83.010). This notice must be posted at least 72 hours before the scheduled time of the meeting. 85.006, 85.007). Elections to Approve Tax Rate - Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts It DOES NOT apply to the write-in deadline. See Note 15, above. (Sec. 4.004(a)). Note that the office hour requirement of Sec. Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties: Recommendeddate to appoint presiding and alternate judges. 81.172 81.174 & 81.176). Uniform Election Date: With few exceptions, each general or special election in this state shall be held on one of the following dates: (1) the second Saturday in May; or (2) the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. For special circumstances regarding withdrawal of a candidate before ballots are prepared, please contact the Elections Division of the Office of the Texas Secretary of State. (Sec. 101.001). Further, an application is considered submitted in the following calendar year if: 1) the applicant is eligible to vote in an election occurring in January or February of the next calendar year; and 2) the application is submitted in the last 60 days of a calendar year but not earlier than the 60th day before the date of the January or February election. (See Tex. 127.093, 127.096, 129.022, 129.023). A city or independent school district that holds an election and maintains an Internet website must also post this same election information on their website even if the county is also posting this data. 127.131). (Sec. Find My Polling Place Find out where you need to vote. (Sec. Notice of Four Nearest Countywide Polling Place Locations (PDF). (Sec. Reminder Regarding FPCAs and Overseas ABBMs:If the early voting clerk receives an FPCA (from a military or non-military voter) or an ABBM from an overseas voter after the 45th day deadline, then the ballot mustbe mailed within seven days after the early voting clerkreceivesthe FPCA or ABBM. With a few exceptions, we do not discuss the impact of coordinating rules for a joint election, as we think this would make the calendar longer and confusing. If the election was ordered after the 70th day before election day, the filing deadline will be the 40th day before election day. Deadline for political subdivisions to order a general election to be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, unless otherwise provided by the Election Code. (Art. requires the notice of election to include the Internet website of the authority conducting the election. The appointing authority must post a notice of the appointment of committee members continuously until the last day the signature verification committee meets. See the Ballotpedia calendar page for more election dates. (Sec. NOTE-NEW LAW: HB 3107 (2021, R.S.) 103.001, 103.003(b)). Deadline for the early voting clerk to receive, by mail, the original of an ABBM that was faxed or emailed or an FPCA that was faxed on the deadline to apply for a ballot by mail, Tuesday, April 26, 2022. 104.001, 104.003). 4.003(c)). (Sec. 65.016). 66.053(a), 127.065, 127.066, 127.067). SeeApplication for Emergency Early Voting Ballot Due to Sickness or Physical Disability (PDF). requires the authority with whom an application for a place on the ballot is filed to designate an e-mail address in the notice required by Section 141.040 of the Code for the purpose of filing an application for a place on the ballot. 31.096). Essentially, the faxed or emailed form serves as a place-holder for the voter. (Secs. In addition to appointing a judge and alternate judge for each election precinct pursuant to Sections 32.001 and 32.005, the governing body must allow the judge to appoint no less than two clerks; however, the alternate judge must serve as one of the clerks as a matter of law. (Sec. (Sec. (Sec. NOTE ANY notice of polling locations must include more detailed information regarding the polling locations including: the polling locations street address, any applicable suite or room number, and any applicable building name. Note: The election noticemustbe subsequently amended to include voting later ordered forANYSaturday or Sunday andmustbe posted on the political subdivisions website, if maintained. Currently, the Election Code does not establish a deadline for appointing election officials; there is only a notification deadline. Counties: Counties are required to use county election precincts and polling places for a special election ordered by the governor. 87.0222, 87.0241). Effective September 1, 2021, a member of the Texas National Guard or the National Guard of another state or a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States serving on active duty under an order of the President of the United States or activated on state orders, or the spouse or dependent of a member, may submit an FPCA. 201.052 and 201.054(a)(2)). 4.003(b)). If a Type A municipal officer-elect fails to qualify for office within 30 days after the date of the officers election, the office is considered vacant. The application form must include a statement informing candidates of the requirement to submit this information. A person who has been convicted of a felony will need to include with the application proof that the person has been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities. Centro de Votacin . Please note that the custodian of the automatic tabulating equipment must publish notice (PDF) of the date, hour, and place of the first test in a newspaper at least 48 hours before the date of the test. 4.003(b)). (Sec. NOTE: In regards to mail ballots for other voters (not military voters using an FPCA or overseas voters using an FPCA or ABBM), the early voting clerkmustmail a ballot not later than the 7th day after the later of: (1) the date the early voting clerk has accepted a voters application for a ballot by mail or (2) the date the ballots become available for mailing. (Sec. 85.005). Note on Opportunity to Correct Defects in Mail Ballots, Notice of Deadline to File Applications for Place on the Ballot (PDF), Wednesday, January 19, 2022 (30th day before Friday, February 18, 2022, regular filing deadline for a place on the ballot), Application for Place on City/School/Other Political Subdivision Ballot (PDF), Petition for Place on the City General Election Ballot (PDF), Declaration of Write-In Candidacy for City, School, or other Political Subdivisions (PDF), Notice of Exemption Under Section 61.013 (PDF), Application of Undue Burden Status (PDF), Tex. 65.015(c)). (Secs. The early voting clerks official mailing address or street address at which the clerk may receive delivery by common or contract carrier, if different, phone number, e-mail address, and the Internet website, if the early voting clerk has an Internet website. Find upcoming election dates and deadlines, learn about your options to vote, and more. If the 45th day is Saturday, July 2, 2022, that deadline will move to the next regular business day, Tuesday, July 5, 2022, under Section 1.006, because Monday, July 4, 2022 is a legal state holiday. We recommend that this test be performed on a date that allows time to correct programming and retest, if necessary. (Secs. 141.034). the date on which the early voting ballot board has verified and counted all provisional ballots, if a provisional ballot has been cast in the election; or. 112.002(a)). (Sec. The amendment to Section 31.096 of the Code also allows a county that has contracted with a city to be the custodian of voted ballots for a city election. NOTE - Cities, Schools, and Other Political Subdivisions: There are political subdivisions that do not have office hours on all days of the business week (Monday through Friday) or do not have an office that is open for eight hours each day of the business week. The regular dates and hours for early voting by personal appearance; The dates and hours of any Saturday or Sunday early voting; The early voting clerks official mailing address or street address at which the clerk may receive delivery by common or contract carrier, if different, phone number, e-mail address, and the Internet website, if the early voting clerk has an Internet website; Any other information required by law. Gabriela Rodrguez. XVII, Sec. See Tex. The Texas State Legislature is a bicameral body composed of the Texas House of Representatives, with 150 members, and the Texas State Senate, with 31 members. If a different polling place is being used from the previous election held by the same authority, aNotice of Previous Precinct (PDF)must be posted at the entrance of the previous polling place informing voters of the current polling place location, if possible. 87.001, 87.002, and 87.004). This extended deadline only applies to the regular filing deadline. The early voting roster shall be posted by 11:00 AM on the day after the information is entered on the roster (for early voting in person) or by 11:00 AM on the day after the early voting clerk receives a ballot voted by mail. Counties, school districts, and cities must also publish notice on the governmental bulletin board used for posting notice of public meetings, no later than April 16, 2022. A. 87.027, 1.006). The application form must include a statement informing candidates of the requirement to submit this information. 63.0015 & 85.007(d)). 85.006, 85.007). By posting a notice in each election precinct in which the election is to be held on or before the 21st day before the election. The Secretary of State will issue such procedures prior to the May 2022 election. Cities, Schools, and Other Political Subdivisions: It isstrongly recommendedthat the Notice of Voting Order Priority (PDF) for voters with mobility issues also be posted on the subdivisions website, if one is maintained by the political subdivision. NOTE-NEW LAW:HB 3107 (2021, R.S.) See Note 15, above.