Policy

Texas Bill Would Let Voters Use Old Addresses

Texas Legislature

Who Decides

House Bill 297 would change how Texas handles voter registration when someone moves. If you move within your county, you could still vote at your old polling place if you fill out a statement. The bill also changes how quickly registration updates take effect after you tell election officials about a new address.

House Bill 297 addresses voting rights for Texans who have moved. The bill would allow voters whose residence address is no longer current to cast a ballot if they still live in the same county, even if they've moved to a different neighborhood or part of town.

Under the bill, a voter who has moved within the county could vote at their registered polling place if they complete and submit a statement to an election officer. This statement would include a declaration that they still meet the residence requirements and provide their current address information. This makes voting more accessible for people in transition.

The bill also changes how quickly voter registration updates take effect. Currently, registration changes become effective 30 days after a voter submits a change of address notice to the registrar. HB 297 modifies the timing rules for when these changes become official in the system.

Sponsored by Representative Brooks Landgraf, the bill was introduced in the 2025 legislative session. If approved by a two-thirds vote in both chambers, it would take effect immediately. Otherwise, it would take effect 91 days after the legislative session ends. The changes would apply to address notices submitted after the bill becomes law.

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