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Bill

HB 952

Relating to the electronic identification and tracking of early voting ballots voted by mail.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Cody Harris and 7 co-sponsors

Texas bill creates electronic tracking system for mailed early voting ballots to monitor chain of custody from issuance to counting.

Corrected committee report sent to Calendars
#elections--earlyvoting(i0260) #secretaryofstate(v0042)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 952

Legislative bill overview

HB 952 establishes an electronic identification and tracking system for early voting ballots cast by mail in Texas. The bill creates a mechanism to monitor mail-in ballots from issuance through counting, likely using barcodes or similar technology to create an auditable chain of custody.

Why is this important

Mail-in ballot security and voter confidence in election integrity have become increasingly contentious issues. This system would provide election officials and observers with real-time tracking data and a detailed record of ballot handling, which proponents argue increases transparency and detects irregularities, while others worry about voter privacy implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Voter privacy concerns: Electronic tracking systems could potentially link individual voters to specific ballots, compromising the secret ballot principle that has been fundamental to U.S. elections
  • Implementation costs and complexity: Counties would need to invest in new technology infrastructure, staff training, and system maintenance, with potentially uneven implementation across wealthy versus resource-limited jurisdictions
  • Chain of custody logistics: The practical challenges of tracking thousands of ballots electronically while maintaining system security, accuracy, and preventing tampering or false tracking records

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

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