House Elections Interim Report Published

The House Committee on Elections has released its interim report to the 89th Legislature. In addition to monitoring the implementation of legislation from prior sessions, the report covers ballot secrecy, election audits, and storage of voter information. Reps. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) and Valoree Swanson (R-Spring) did not sign the interim report. See below for a spotlight on recommendations from the report.

Monitor the Implementation of SB 1070, relating to the interstate voter registration crosscheck program.

• Texas House Committee on Elections recommends that the Secretary of State’s office prioritize the establishment of formal agreements with other states to facilitate voter data sharing. These agreements are crucial for enhancing the accuracy of Texas’ voter rolls, especially in the absence of the previous ERIC program. While the state has taken significant steps to develop independent data sources and maintain robust list maintenance practices, formal collaborations would further bolster these efforts and ensure that Texas remains aligned with best practices for voter registration accuracy.
• Additionally, as the Secretary of State’s office redevelops its statewide voter registration and election management system, set to launch in 2025, it is vital that the new system incorporates advanced data matching capabilities that facilitate secure and efficient communication with local election offices. This system should not only streamline the data processing but also enhance the overall integrity of voter registration.
• The committee also urges continued exploration of innovative partnerships with federal and state agencies to support voter data accuracy. While informal collaborations have been beneficial, formalizing these relationships would provide a more comprehensive approach to maintaining up-to-date voter registration data. Ultimately, these recommendations aim to ensure that Texas navigates its transition from external reliance with efficacy, thereby enhancing the security and accuracy of its electoral processes.
• The Secretary of State’s office shall continue to update the legislature on the progress of the new voter registration election management system rollout in 2025, as well as any formal agreements with other states regarding voter registrations and related changes.

Monitor the implementation of SB 1750, relating to abolishing the county elections administrator position in certain counties.

• The committee acknowledges the positive changes implemented in Harris County’s election administration following the transition of duties to the county clerk’s office. It is recommended that the Secretary of State’s office continue to support collaboration between the county clerk and the tax assessor-collector’s office, fostering open lines of communication to address any emerging challenges. Furthermore, the committee encourages the adoption of best practices observed during recent elections, particularly those related to timely reporting of results and effective management of election resources, such as ballot paper.
• To enhance transparency and accountability, the committee suggests that the Secretary of State’s office participate in ongoing training and support initiatives for local election officials. This engagement could include reviewing training materials and providing real-time assistance during elections. The committee believes that such actions will bolster local control while ensuring compliance with state laws and best practices.
• Finally, the committee recommends that the Secretary of State’s office regularly evaluate the impact of legislation like Senate Bill 1750 on election administration across the state. By monitoring these changes, the office can better support counties in implementing effective election practices, ultimately leading to improved voter confidence and integrity in the electoral process. The Secretary of State’s office should continue to update the committee about the progress of Harris County elections under this new structure. The legislature should monitor if SB 1750’s population requirement for enactment should be modified or changed in the future. The Secretary of State’s office should also notify the legislature of any additional counties that may be facing similar issues as Harris county did in 2022.

Monitor the implementation of SB 1933, relating to certain oversight procedures of the state over county elections.

• The Committee on Elections recommends the need to increase awareness regarding the complaints process associated with elections, ensuring that voters are informed about how to effectively express their concerns. Furthermore, the committee advocates for strengthened training programs for election officials to better equip them in managing complaints and addressing misinformation.
• In addition, the committee suggests the development of a robust tracking system for election-related complaints, which will help identify trends and improve accountability within election administration. Enhanced collaboration between the Secretary of State’s Office and local election officials is also recommended, promoting effective communication and the sharing of best practices to facilitate better problem-solving.
• The Secretary of State’s office should continue to update the legislature of any qualified complaints that would trigger the administrative oversight by state election officials.

Ballot Secrecy Oversight

• The Committee on Elections recommends that the Texas Legislature take several actions to strengthen ballot secrecy and enhance voter privacy in future elections.
• First, the committee encourages the legislature to evaluate and potentially revise laws regarding the aggregation of voting results from small precincts. Allowing aggregation could significantly mitigate the risk of voter identification in low-turnout elections while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
• Second, the committee emphasizes the importance of enhancing public education and outreach initiatives aimed at encouraging voters to utilize busier polling locations. Collaboration with local election officials and community organizations can amplify these efforts, fostering higher voter turnout and safeguarding ballot anonymity.
• Additionally, the committee advocates for the implementation of standardized training for election officials on best practices for redacting personally identifiable information from ballots and voting records. Such training, developed in conjunction with legal experts, would help ensure consistency and enhance voter privacy across the state.

Secretary of State Election Audit Program Findings

• The Texas House Committee on Elections recommends that the Secretary of State’s office continue its audit program to improve election administration across the state. Key suggestions include strengthening coordination with local election officials during administrative transitions to ensure real-time support and communication. The committee proposes revising the audit period to one year back and one year forward to facilitate timely assessments and follow-ups on counties’ corrective actions.
• Additionally, the committee emphasizes the need for increased resources for smaller counties, providing access to certified vendors and centralized equipment standards to help streamline elections. Regular training and tools for maintaining accurate voter registration lists are also crucial, alongside discussions on the effectiveness of using third-party vendors versus state systems.
• To build public confidence, transparency in election processes should be prioritized, highlighting improvements and successes in election management. Finally, the committee encourages cross-county collaboration through workshops and forums, enabling election officials to share best practices. By implementing these recommendations, the committee aims to bolster the integrity and efficiency of Texas’s election processes.

Storage and Management Processes for Voter Registration Data

• The committee recommends that all counties in Texas evaluate the transition to the state voter registration and election management system, particularly in light of the upcoming enhancements slated for spring 2025. The testimony from Christina Adkins, Director of Elections, underscored significant advancements in the state system, which aims to integrate critical functionalities and improve data security. Transitioning to this unified system could help mitigate the operational challenges faced by the 33 counties currently relying on offline vendors like VOTEC, which has encountered financial difficulties.
• Moreover, both Heather Hawthorne and Jennifer Doinoff indicated that a centralized system offers better integration and efficiency for managing voter registration data, reducing reliance on supplemental systems. The committee urges the Secretary of State’s office to provide the necessary support and resources during this transition to foster confidence among local election officials and ensure a smooth implementation. Adopting the state system could enhance the overall integrity and management of elections across Texas, ultimately benefiting voters and election administrators alike.

Potential Election Issues in Texas Counties

• Based on the testimony provided by election officials, the Committee on Elections recommends several key actions to address emerging election issues in Texas counties. First, it is crucial to establish enhanced communication protocols between election offices and law enforcement agencies to ensure the accurate dissemination of information regarding polling locations and election laws. This should include mandatory training for law enforcement on election-related matters to prevent the spread of misinformation.
• Furthermore, the Committee encourages counties to improve voter registration processes, especially in areas experiencing population growth and an influx of non-English-speaking residents. Support should be provided for hiring bilingual staff and developing outreach programs that educate residents about the voting process. Additionally, there is a need for expanded legislative oversight, particularly in counties like Starr County, which have documented operational issues. This involves implementing systems for tracking and addressing complaints to foster transparency and public trust.
• Combatting misinformation is another critical focus. The Committee advocates for investing in training programs for election judges and officials to address inaccuracies effectively. Increased funding for public education campaigns can help correct misconceptions and provide accurate information about voting. Additionally, enhancing security measures at polling places is vital, especially in light of challenges such as natural disasters. This includes assessing the impact of recent events, like flooding, and ensuring that contingency plans are in place to protect voters and election workers.
• Standardizing election hours and processes across Texas is recommended to reduce burdens on small counties and facilitate recruitment of election workers. A review of compensation structures is necessary to attract qualified individuals into election-related roles. Finally, developing specific mechanisms to assist long-haul truck drivers in voting, recognizing their unique challenges, mirrors provisions already in place for military voters and ensures that all citizens can participate in elections. By implementing these recommendations, the Committee aims to enhance the integrity, transparency, and accessibility of the electoral process across Texas counties, ultimately fostering greater civic engagement and participation in local governance.