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Bill

HB 569

Relating to an opportunity to correct certain defects in an early voting ballot voted by mail.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by John Bucy and 1 co-sponsor

HB 569 permits Texas mail-in voters to correct defective ballots before rejection, preserving votes otherwise lost to administrative errors.

Laid on the table subject to call
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 569

Legislative bill overview

HB 569 would allow voters who cast early voting ballots by mail to have an opportunity to correct certain defects in their ballots before those ballots are rejected. Currently, Texas election law permits election officials to reject mail-in ballots with defects (such as missing signatures, incorrect dates, or other technical issues) without notifying voters they have a chance to fix them.

Why is this important

Mail-in ballot rejection rates have increased significantly in recent election cycles, with thousands of Texas voters losing their votes due to minor correctable errors they were unaware of. This bill directly affects voting access by potentially preserving votes that would otherwise be discarded, particularly impacting elderly voters, voters with disabilities, and those in rural areas who rely on mail-in voting options.

Potential points of contention

  • Election security vs. ballot correction: Opponents may argue that allowing ballot corrections creates opportunities for fraud or election manipulation, while supporters contend the defects addressed are administrative rather than fraud-related
  • Administrative burden: Election officials may cite resource and timeline concerns about notifying and processing corrected ballots, especially in counties with limited staff
  • Consistency with in-person voting: Questions about whether mail voters receive equitable treatment compared to in-person voters who can immediately correct ballot errors

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

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