Relating to electioneering near a polling place; creating a criminal offense.
Summary
HB 5613 revises Texas Election Code provisions governing conduct near polling places and early voting locations. The bill focuses on electioneering, loitering, and display of political materials within 100 feet of the designated single point of entry to a polling place, and it extends similar restrictions to early voting locations. It also makes clear that a person commits an offense if they prohibit electioneering outside the restricted zone, including on the premises of the building where the polling place is located.
The bill also updates related rules for wearing campaign-related badges, insignia, or other communicative devices in or near polling places, and it clarifies that election officers may not post unauthorized signs or materials in the polling place area, including the 100-foot restricted zone. The measure creates or reinforces criminal penalties for violations of these electioneering restrictions and is set to take effect September 1, 2025.
Impact
HB 5613 would amend multiple sections of the Texas Election Code, primarily Sections 61.003, 61.010, 62.013, and 85.036. Its effect is to tighten and clarify restrictions on electioneering and related expressive conduct near polling places and early voting sites, especially around the single designated voter entry point. The bill would affect voters, campaign workers, political advocates, election officers, and others present at polling locations by expanding the circumstances under which conduct near polling places may be treated as a criminal offense.
Sentiment
The available legislative record shows limited public debate in the provided materials, with no committee transcript excerpts and no recorded votes. Based on the bill’s referral to the Elections Committee and its subject matter, the measure appears to be framed as an election administration and polling-place order bill rather than a broader policy dispute. The overall sentiment in the available record is therefore neutral to procedural, with the bill presented as a clarification and enforcement measure for polling-place conduct.
Contention
The main points of contention likely concern the balance between protecting orderly voting access and preserving free speech and political expression near polling places. The bill’s expansion of prohibited electioneering to the area outside the restricted zone, including on the premises of the building housing the polling place, could be viewed by critics as broadening criminal liability and limiting expressive activity. Supporters would likely emphasize voter access, election integrity, and clear enforcement boundaries for election officials and law enforcement. No specific opposing or supporting groups are identified in the provided record.
Prohibits electioneering within 25 feet of person waiting in line at polling place or ballot drop box; makes electioneering a disorderly persons offense.