WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 628

Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Terry Meza

HB 628 allows any qualified Texas voter to vote by mail and eliminates criminal penalties for promoting mail-in voting applications.

Referred to Elections
#aging(i0015) #civilcommitment(s0002) #corrections--jails&prisons(i0092) #disabilities #personswith(i0380) #elections--earlyvoting(i0260) #elections--registration&suffrage(i0265) #secretaryofstate(v0042)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 628

Legislative bill overview

HB 628 expands mail-in voting access in Texas by allowing any qualified voter to vote by mail, rather than limiting it to specific categories (elderly, disabled, or out-of-state voters). The bill also repeals criminal penalties related to soliciting and distributing mail-in voting applications.

Why is this important

Mail-in voting access directly affects voter participation rates and election administration. Texas currently has one of the most restrictive mail-in voting policies in the nation, and this change would significantly alter voting procedures and potentially increase overall turnout. The repeal of solicitation penalties removes barriers to voter outreach organizations promoting mail-in voting.

Potential points of contention

  • Election security concerns: Opponents argue expanded mail voting increases fraud risks and chain-of-custody vulnerabilities, though research on this is mixed
  • Administrative capacity: Counties would need resources to process substantially higher mail-in ballot volumes, potentially creating delays or errors
  • Partisan implications: Mail-in voting patterns differ by demographic group, so expansion could shift electoral outcomes in Texas, a state with significant political competition
  • Voter intent: Debate over whether broadened access reflects voter demand or represents solution in search of a problem, given Texas's in-person voting alternatives

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

Sign in to ask a question.