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Bill

HB 3361

Relating to the elimination of electronic poll lists and the countywide polling place program.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mike Olcott

HB 3361 eliminates electronic poll books and countywide polling flexibility in Texas, reverting to paper-based voter check-in and precinct-specific voting locations.

Referred to Elections
#electronicequipment(s0554) #elections--administration(i0277) #elections--earlyvoting(i0260) #elections--general(i0310) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311)
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Bill Summary · HB 3361

Legislative bill overview

HB 3361 proposes to eliminate electronic poll lists (e-poll books) used at voting locations and discontinue the countywide polling place program in Texas. The bill would effectively require a return to paper-based voter check-in systems and restrict the flexibility of where voters can cast ballots within their counties.

Why is this important

Electronic poll books have become standard election infrastructure in most Texas counties, allowing faster voter processing, reduced lines, and better coordination across multiple polling locations. Eliminating them would significantly slow voting operations and increase administrative burden on election workers, while eliminating countywide polling places would reduce voting accessibility by forcing voters to use specific precinct locations rather than any polling site in their county.

Potential points of contention

  • Election efficiency vs. voting access: Reverting to paper lists would likely increase wait times and reduce convenience, potentially affecting voter turnout and creating longer lines during peak voting periods
  • Cost implications: Electronic systems represent significant technology investments; removing them raises questions about fiscal responsibility and whether counties would absorb losses or receive state reimbursement
  • Election security arguments: Supporters may argue paper systems reduce cybersecurity risks, while critics contend modern e-poll books have robust security measures and paper systems introduce different vulnerabilities
  • Implementation timeline: Counties would need substantial time and resources to transition back to manual systems; the bill doesn't address transition logistics or funding

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

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