O-2020-3797 Amending Ordinance 2020-3787 to update the order of election

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Governor Greg Abbott Proclamation July 27,2020 Page 2 WHEREAS, Section 85.001(a)of the Texas Election Code provides that the period for early voting by personal appearance begins 17 days before election day; and WHEREAS, Section 86.006(a-1)of the Texas Election Code provides that a voter may deliver a marked mail ballot in person to the early voting clerk's office while the polls are open on election day; and WHEREAS, in consultation with the Texas Secretary of State, it has become apparent that for the November 3, 2020 elections, strict compliance with the statutory requirements in Sections 85.001(a)and 86.006(a-1)of the Texas Election Code would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the COVID-19 disaster, and that providing additional time for early voting will provide Texans greater safety while voting in person; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, the legislature has expressly authorized the Governor to suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or the orders or rules of a state agency if strict compliance with the provisions, orders, or rules would in any way prevent,hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with a disaster; NOW,THEREFORE,I, GREG ABBOTT,Governor of Texas,under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas,do hereby suspend Section 85.001(a)of the Texas Election Code to the extent necessary to require that, for any election ordered or authorized to occur on November 3, 2020,early voting by personal appearance shall begin on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, and shall continue through the fourth day before election day. I further suspend Section 86.006(a-1) of the Texas Election Code, for any election ordered or authorized to occur on November 3, 2020, to the extent necessary to allow a voter to deliver a marked mail ballot in person to the early voting clerk's office prior to and including on election day. The Secretary of State shall take notice of this proclamation and shall transmit a copy of this order immediately to every County Judge of this state and all appropriate writs will be issued and all proper proceedings will be followed to the end that said elections may be held and their results proclaimed in accordance with law. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereto signed my name and �r %'`i_k� Op have officially caused the Seal of (CTOy. , State to be affixed at my office in , 1' . . � the City of Austin,Texas, this the 4-,„:), / \,,,11,.)+ � 27th day of July, 2020.