STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE

CHANGING ELECTORAL LANDSCAPE!

Join us on Thursday, June 26 from 7-8 PM for an essential virtual briefing on the election law changes enacted during the 89th legislative session. The TEN Team and guests will provide a comprehensive review of the new legislation, explain implementation timelines, and analyze how these changes will impact the upcoming 2026 primary and midterm elections. Whether you're a candidate, campaign worker, or engaged citizen, understanding these new laws is crucial for effective civic participation. Register today!

TEN TALKS WILL PAUSE

for June and July!

Mark your calendar:

OUR NEXT TEN TALK

will be held on August 1st.

A BIG CHANGE-UP IN THE ELECTION PROCESS:

SB 2753

TEN spotlighted SB 2753 by Hall/Isaac in the May 28^th newsletter. We are providing a link to the 18-paged bill below. Early voting will be required to begin the 12^th day before election day and continue through the day before election day, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Each polling place that was an early voting polling place must also be an election day polling place. (More polling places may be added for election day.) All reporting will be in two categories: Early Voting by mail and voting in person (combining early voting in person and election day results.)

This is a big change with a lot of logistics to be worked out, so Section 32 of the bill says: “As soon as practicable after the effective date* of this Act, but not later than August 1, 2027, the SOS shall:

1. Adopt rules and prescribe procedures required for the implementation of this Act; and

2. Publish a report in the Texas register station that the secretary:

 (A) has consulted with county election officials in this state; and

 (B) is confident that the counties in this state are prepared to implement the provisions of this Act.

https://www.legis.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB02753F.pdf#navpanes=0

*The Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

HB 5138 / SB 1026

AG Prosecution of Election Crimes did not happen

In State v. Stephens, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals held that current Election Code provisions authorizing the attorney general to prosecute election law violations were invalid. While the attorney general can typically prosecute with the permission of the local prosecutor, the attorney general's lack of jurisdiction can pose threats to election integrity, especially when local prosecutors decline to prosecute Election Code violations. HB 5138 was filed to resolve this issue by granting the attorney general the power to prosecute election crimes if a local prosecutor has not initiated proceedings in the six months after a violation has been reported.  

HB 5138 was engrossed in the House on May 9, engrossed in the Senate on May 28, and a conference committee was appointed on May 29. The bill never made it out of conference committee.

COUNTY CHAIRS AND COUNTY PARTY LEADERSHIP: Be watching the SOS website for a new 2025 Election Advisory regarding Appointment Procedures for County Election Precinct Presiding and Alternate Judges, Election Clerks, Early Voting Ballot Board Members, Signature Verification Committee Members, and Central Counting Station Personnel.

First, you need to know if your County makes appointments every year or every two years. If your county is every two years, you need to know if the list is due in the odd year or even year.

Until the new instructions are released for this 2025, you can refer to Election Advisory 2024-23 to get a good idea of the information required from your political party’s County Chair and when the information is due. https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/advisory2024-23.shtml

“The List” submitted by Democrat and Republican County Chairs should contain: 

* Presiding and Alternate Judge of Polling Places (including countywide polling locations);

* Election Clerks of Polling Places;

* Presiding and Alternate Early Voting Officers for Early Voting Locations;

* Presiding Judge, Alternate Presiding Judge, and Members of Early Voting Ballot Board;

* Chair, Vice Chair, and Members of Signature Verification Committee, if one is created;

* Presiding and Alternate Judge of the Central Counting Station.

In addition to the Democrat and Republican County Chair, the minor parties may submit lists of eligible persons for the following if their party has a nominee on the General Election Ballot:

* Members of the Early Voting Ballot Board, and;

* Members of the Signature Verification Committee, if one is created.

Counties with population >500,000 must submit before July 1^st, and counties <500,000must submit before August 1^st.

NEW ON THE SOS WEBSITE

Website Posting Requirements for counties, cities, schools, and other political subdivisions: CLICK HERE

NEXT ELECTION IS NOVEMBER 4, 2025



November 4, 2025 is the Uniform Election Date for the Constitutional Election, and will also be a Special Election to fill the vacancy in Congressional District 18 created by Sylvester Turner’s passing.

REGISTER TO ACCESS PREVIOUS TRAININGS

Texas Legislature Online (TLO) REGISTER

Effective Legislative Advocacy at the Texas Capitol REGISTER

ISSUE FORUM: Countywide vs. Precinct Polling Panel Discussion REGISTER

Bifurcation of the Texas Voter Roll REGISTER

Candidate Training REGISTER

Ranked Choice Voting: What it could mean for Texas Elections REGISTER

Texas Election Update: REGISTER

Thanks to committed advocates like you, grassroots efforts are gaining momentum across the state, it’s engaged citizens like you—consistently showing up through legislative sessions and election seasons, staying informed, and taking meaningful action—who breathe life into our mission. Every step you take, from local conversations to statewide initiatives, pushes us closer to the Texas we’re striving to build.

Be sure to save the date for our legislative wrap-up event on June 26. We’ll review the key accomplishments of this session and look ahead to how we can engage effectively with the Executive Branch in the coming months.

We appreciate your continued grassroots dedication and your belief in the power of individual Texans to spark lasting change—whether at the polls, in the Capitol, or within our communities.

Melissa Conway

Texas Election Network

Managing Director

832-648-0770

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