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HB 496

Relating to a ballot option to not vote for any candidate or not vote for or against a proposition.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Cody Harris and 9 co-sponsors

Texas bill adds "none of the above" ballot option, letting voters formally register abstention from candidates or propositions instead of leaving races blank.

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Bill Summary · HB 496

Legislative bill overview

HB 496 would add a "none of the above" or abstention option to Texas ballots, allowing voters to explicitly register that they do not wish to vote for any candidate in a race or do not wish to vote for or against a proposition. This creates a distinct ballot choice separate from simply leaving a race blank or not voting.

Why is this important

Currently, voters who wish to register disapproval of all candidates or propositions have no formal way to do so on the ballot itself—they can only abstain by leaving the race blank. This bill would create an official record of voter non-preference, potentially providing clearer data on voter sentiment and addressing concerns that blank ballots may represent either abstention or voter confusion. The change could affect how election results are interpreted and reported.

Potential points of contention

  • Election administration complexity: Adding a new ballot option requires changes to ballot design, voting machines, and tabulation procedures across all Texas counties, creating implementation costs and training needs
  • Interpretation of results: Distinguishing between "none of the above" votes and blank ballots changes how election margins and turnout are calculated and reported, potentially affecting candidate legitimacy claims
  • Partisan implications: The effect on elections is uncertain—it could suppress participation in low-interest races, affect close elections differently across regions, and potentially benefit or harm specific parties depending on voting patterns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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