Texas HB342 allows county election precincts to be combined under certain conditions to avoid unreasonable expenditures and ensure polling places.

Texas HB342 amends the Election Code to allow the combination of certain election precincts. This applies to counties with populations under 1.2 million that do not participate in the countywide polling place program. A commissioners court may combine precincts if redistricting results in precincts with fewer than 500 voters or if the combined precincts have between 500 and 750 voters. The combined precincts must not exceed 10,000 voters and cannot dilute voting strength or representation of groups covered by the Voting Rights Act. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.

Texas HB342 allows county election precincts to be combined under certain conditions to avoid unreasonable expenditures and ensure polling places.

Texas HB342 amends the Election Code to allow the combination of certain election precincts. This applies to counties with populations under 1.2 million that do not participate in the countywide polling place program. A commissioners court may combine precincts if redistricting results in precincts with fewer than 500 voters or if the combined precincts have between 500 and 750 voters. The combined precincts must not exceed 10,000 voters and cannot dilute voting strength or representation of groups covered by the Voting Rights Act. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.