HB 73 would require the Texas secretary of state, working with the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Information Resources, to create an online voter registration program on the state’s official website. The bill allows eligible applicants to complete a voter registration application electronically and submit it through a state-run portal, rather than only by paper or mail. It also requires the secretary of state’s and DPS websites to link to the application.
The bill sets different identity and signature procedures depending on whether the applicant has a current Texas driver’s license or state ID. Applicants with an unexpired Texas license or ID must affirm the truth of their information and consent to use the signature on file with DPS; applicants without one must electronically sign the application before submission. The bill also directs the state to obtain a digital copy of the applicant’s signature from DPS when applicable, treats electronic submissions as mail-in applications for legal purposes, and requires rules to add security measures, display a warning about voter-registration fraud, and use the state electronic portal to verify identity and address.
Impact
HB 73 would amend Chapter 13 of the Texas Election Code by adding a new section authorizing electronic voter registration and establishing the legal framework for online submission, authentication, and signature verification. It would expand the methods by which a person can register to vote, while preserving existing application requirements by treating electronic applications as if they were submitted by mail. The bill would also require rulemaking by the secretary of state and coordination with DPS and DIR to implement the system and security safeguards.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to indicate support or opposition. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears designed as a modernization and access-expansion proposal, with an emphasis on convenience and administrative security. Because no votes or hearing comments are provided, the overall sentiment cannot be measured from the record beyond the bill’s pro-access framing.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be election security, identity verification, and the use of digital signatures and state databases for voter registration. The bill addresses those concerns by requiring affirmative attestation, digital or stored-signature use, conspicuous fraud warnings, and identity/address authentication through the state portal project. Any opposition would likely focus on whether online registration could increase administrative complexity or fraud risk, while supporters would likely emphasize easier voter access and modernization of the registration process.