TITLE 1.ADMINISTRATION

Part 4. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Chapter 81. ELECTIONS

Subchapter E. ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES

1 TAC §81.71

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Office of the Secretary of State proposes the repeal of §81.71 concerning use of an election worker affidavit in lieu of identification. The repeal is necessary to establish conformity between state election voter identification requirements and the voter identification requirements of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002. The rule had allowed election judges and clerks to attest to a voter's identity if the voter had no other form of identification.

Ann McGeehan, Director of Elections, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeal is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal.

Ms. McGeehan has determined also that for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the repeal will be eliminating possible confusion from a rule whose statutory rationale, Section 63.010 of the Code, has been repealed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to the Office of the Secretary of State, Ann McGeehan, Director of Elections, P.O. Box 12060, Austin, Texas 78711.

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Election Code, §31.003, which provides the Office of the Secretary of State with the authority to obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, interpretation, and operation of provisions under the Texas Election Code and other election laws.

The Texas Election Code, Chapter 63.0101, is affected by this proposed repeal.

§81.71.Use of Affidavit by Election Official in Lieu of Identification at Polling Place.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 11, 2005.

TRD-200501112

Ann McGeehan

Director of Elections

Office of the Secretary of State

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 24, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5650