canvassers must compare precinct returns with tally lists

The text as introduced · 432 words

89R10213 PRL-D

By: Hall
S.B. No. 931

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the process of canvassing elections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Sections 67.004(d) and (f), Election Code, are

amended to read as follows:

(d) The canvassing authority shall [ may ] compare the

precinct returns with the corresponding tally list. If a

discrepancy is discovered between the vote totals shown on the

returns and those shown on the tally list for a precinct, the

presiding judge of the precinct shall examine the returns and tally

list and make the necessary corrections on the returns.

(f) On completion of the canvass, the presiding officer of

the canvassing authority shall deliver the precinct returns, tally

lists, and early voting precinct report used in the canvass to the

general custodian of election records. The presiding officer of

the canvassing authority shall verify that the precinct returns are

accurately reflected in the county returns prepared by the

custodian. The custodian shall preserve the records delivered

under this subsection [ them ] for the period for preserving the

precinct election records.

SECTION 2. Section 67.007, Election Code, is amended by

adding Subsections (d-1), (d-2), and (d-3) to read as follows:

(d-1) The county clerk may not deliver the county returns to

the secretary of state under this section before each canvassing

authority has verified that the county returns accurately reflect

the precinct returns under Section 67.004(f).

(d-2) The secretary of state shall post the county returns

on the secretary of state's Internet website, organized by

precinct. Not later than 24 hours after the secretary of state posts

the county returns, the county clerk shall verify that the county

returns on the secretary of state's Internet website accurately

reflect the precinct returns delivered to the county clerk.

(d-3) The secretary of state shall compare the county

returns with the corresponding local election register. If a

discrepancy is discovered between the vote totals shown on the

returns and those shown on the register, the secretary of state

shall examine the returns and register and make the necessary

corrections on the returns.

SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to

an election ordered on or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.