HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2025-23_Voter choice of polling location on Election dayRESOLUTION 2025-23
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS,
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR A LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT TO THE TEXAS
ELECTION CODE AND URGING THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE VOTER
CHOICE OF POLLING LOCATION ON ELECTION DAY OTHER THAN THROUGH
THE COUNTYWIDE POLLING PLACE PROGRAM
WHEREAS, currently the Texas Election Code (EC) permits voters to choose from among the
main and branch polling locations for early voting by personal appearance but not on election day,
leading to confusion and frustration for voters, particularly near the closing of the polls on election
day; and
WHEREAS, for nearly twenty years, since 2006, the Texas Secretary of State has been directed
by the Texas Legislature to conduct the successful and well -received Countywide Polling Place
Program, which provides voter choice in approved counties among polling locations during early
voting by personal appearance and on election day; and
WHEREAS, allowing political subdivisions to be able to choose to offer voter choice of polling
location on election day could provide the same convenience of early voting by personal
appearance and likely lead to higher voter satisfaction and increased voter turnout without
increasing expense to taxpayers and other stakeholders.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA
PORTE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the City Council of the City of La Porte, Texas, formally urges the Texas
Legislature to amend the Texas Election Code to allow political subdivisions to be able to choose
to offer voter choice of polling location on election day other than through the Countywide Polling
Place Program. Proposed language to consider is If ordered by the governing body of a political
subdivision calling the election, any voter who is entitled to vote an election day voting ballot by
personal appearance may do so at any election day polling place in the territory served by the
early voting clerk.
SECTION 2. That copies of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant
Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, members of the Texas Senate and
House of Representatives, the Texas Secretary of State Elections Division, the Harris County
County Clerk's Office, LPISD leadership, and any other relevant stakeholders.
SECTION 3. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites, and declares that a sufficient
written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City Council was posted
at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the City for the time required by law preceding
this meeting, as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code; and
that this meeting has been open to the public as required by law at all times during which this
resolution and the subject matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon.
The City Council further ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice and the contents and
posting thereof.
SECTION 4. This resolution shall be in effect from and after its passage and approval.
PASSED AND APPROVED this, the 8th day of September 2025.
CITY OF LA PORTE, EXAS
Rick Helton, Mayor
Brent McCaulley, Mayor Pro Tem, Co person At -Large, Position B
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BZ,don uns d, Councilperson At -Large, Position A
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Mandi Williams, Councilperson District 1
Chuck Engelken, Councilperson District 2
Bill Bentley;
cilperson District 3
uncilperson District 4
Ma2, Co ilperson District 5
Robbie McLarrin, Councilperson District 6
' G\�,� APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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.ti ••��, Clark Askins, City Attorney