HBA-DMH H.B. 405 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 405
By: Turner, Bob
Elections
3/6/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

A voter's intent is determined by the marks on the ballot.  There may be
confusion when a voter's marks indicate conflicting intentions. Such is the
case when a voter casts a straight party vote and later marks a box for an
individual candidate of the opposing party.  Also, a voter should know each
candidate and the office the candidate is seeking when casting a vote.
House Bill 405 repeals law relating to a voter's option to cast a straight
party vote.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 405 amends the Election Code to eliminate the option to cast a
straight party vote.  The  bill repeals law relating to straight party
voting in general, special, and primary elections. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.