In 2017, the 85th Legislature passed House Bill 25 by Rep. Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton) eliminating straight party voting, beginning on Sept. 1, 2020. Voters no longer have the option of checking a single box to cast a ballot for every candidate from their political party of choice. In addition, HB 25 requires the secretary of state and the voter registrar of each county that maintains a website to notify voters on their websites by September 2020 that straight ticket voting will no longer be an option. The information provided on the website must be in each language in which voter registration and election materials are available.
Registered Texas voters can vote before Election Day on Nov. 3. Early voting runs from Tuesday, Oct. 13, to Friday, Oct. 30, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live. Visit the secretary of state’s VoteTexas.gov website for election information.
For more information on this article and elections, contact Nanette Forbes.