As the 2024 election approaches, the actions of two Texas counties that mailed unsolicited voter registration forms to eligible residents have stirred controversy. The mailings aimed to increase voter participation but have received pushback from some Republican lawmakers who argue that this could facilitate ineligible registrations and voting.

Recent Legislative Proposals

In response to these mailings, new legislation is being considered in the Texas Legislature aimed at prohibiting counties from sending voter registration forms to individuals who have not explicitly requested them. Additionally, the legislation seeks to prevent the state from using public resources to support similar efforts by other organizations.

Senate Bill 511, introduced by State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, outlines these restrictions, aligning voter registration application processes with stricter protocols already in effect for mail-in ballot applications. A 2021 law, which is currently contested in federal court, restricts election officials from unsolicited distribution of mail-in ballot applications.

Arguments from Lawmakers

Bettencourt expressed his concerns about unsolicited mailings, stating, “The government shouldn’t be putting their thumb on the scale by doing this without a solicitation from the voter,” and referred to the mailings as a “horrible waste of taxpayer money.”

In the House, a similar measure, House Bill 1489 was filed by State Rep. Tom Oliverson, and both bills are advancing through the legislative process.

Impact on Voter Registration Efforts

Last year, three major counties in Texas, all of which lean Democratic, initiated efforts to send out voter registration applications to eligible residents. Harris County faced immediate backlash and halted its efforts after criticism from Bettencourt. However, Travis and Bexar counties continued, encountering legal challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who attempted to halt their initiatives.

Bexar County spent approximately $261,000 on its mailing campaign, yielding about 15,000 completed registrations, which accounts for about 11% of the forms sent out. County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez defended the expense, viewing it as an investment in community engagement. “Of those 15,000 newly registered, I think almost 85% of those actually participated,” he stated, emphasizing the positive impact on voter engagement despite the criticisms.

Concerns from Voting Rights Advocates

Opponents of the legislative measures warn that the proposed bills may complicate or restrict the availability of voter registration forms, potentially making it more difficult for eligible voters to register. Emily Eby French, policy director for Common Cause Texas, noted that the legislation could impose overly broad restrictions, hindering standard practices in voter registration offices.

French commented, “If you are in a voter registration office, you have to say a set of magic words in order to get a voter registration application. You have to specifically request it.”

Next Steps

If these bills pass both the House and Senate, they will be submitted to Governor Greg Abbott for his approval. The ongoing discussions and legislative actions surrounding voter registration in Texas will likely continue to shape the electoral landscape as the 2024 elections draw near.