Tex. Election Code Section 31.005
Protection of Voting Rights; Enforcement

(a)

The secretary of state may take appropriate action to protect the voting rights of the citizens of this state from abuse by the authorities administering the state’s electoral processes.

(b)

The secretary of state may order a person performing official functions in the administration of any part of the electoral processes to correct offending conduct if the secretary determines that the person is exercising the powers vested in that person in a manner that:

(1)

impedes the free exercise of a citizen’s voting rights; or

(2)

unless acting under an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, delays or cancels an election that the person does not have specific statutory authority to delay or cancel.

(c)

If a person described by Subsection (b) fails to comply with an order from the secretary of state under this section, the secretary may seek enforcement of the order by a temporary restraining order or a writ of injunction or mandamus obtained through the attorney general.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 3107), Sec. 30, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 3107), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2021.

Source: Section 31.005 — Protection of Voting Rights; Enforcement, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/EL/htm/EL.­31.­htm#31.­005 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).

31.001
Chief Election Officer 31.002
Official Forms 31.003
Uniformity 31.004
Assistance and Advice 31.005
Protection of Voting Rights 31.006
Referral to Attorney General 31.007
Suspension of Provisions Implementing National Voter Registration Act 31.008
Collection of Information: Forum on Election Cost Savings 31.009
Distribution of Certain Funds 31.010
Implementation of Federal Help America Vote Act 31.011
Election Improvement Fund 31.012
Voter Education 31.013
Mobile Locations for Obtaining Identification 31.014
Certification of Electronic Devices to Accept Voters 31.016
Voting Information on Secretary of State’s Website 31.017
Implementation of Administrative Oversight of County Election 31.018
Notice of Complaint 31.019
Investigation of Complaint 31.020
County Election Office Oversight by Secretary 31.021
Removal or Termination of County Election Official After Administrative Oversight 31.0021
Certain Official Forms: Inclusion of Nepotism Information 31.022
Rules 31.031
Creation of Position 31.032
Appointment of Administrator 31.033
Commission Meetings 31.034
Eligibility 31.035
Restrictions on Political Activities 31.036
Resignation 31.037
Suspension or Termination of Employment 31.038
Filling Vacancy 31.039
Salary 31.040
Bond 31.041
Seal 31.042
Transfer of Records 31.043
Duties of Administrator Generally 31.044
Division of Certain Duties Between County Clerk and Administrator 31.045
Classification of Duties by Secretary of State 31.046
Misdirection of Document 31.047
Action by Wrong Officer 31.048
Abolishing Position 31.049
Criminal Penalties 31.050
Abolishment of Position and Transfer of Duties in Certain Counties 31.0055
Voting Rights Hotline 31.071
Transfer of Duties 31.072
Applicability of Other Sections 31.073
Transfer of Records 31.074
Appropriation by Commissioners Court 31.075
Guidelines 31.076
Rescission of Transfer Order 31.091
Definitions 31.092
Contract for Election Services Authorized 31.093
Duty to Contract 31.094
Services Performable Under Contract 31.095
Delegation to Deputies 31.096
Nontransferable Functions 31.097
Early Voting 31.098
Payment of Election Expenses 31.099
Filing Copies of Contract 31.100
Disposition of Contract Money 31.121
Presiding Officer Failing to Act 31.122
Office Hours of Election Authority During Election Period 31.123
Appointment of Agent During Election Period 31.124
Provision of Notice to County Chairs by Election Authority 31.125
County Website 31.126
Prohibited Contributions 31.127
Training 31.128
Restriction on Eligibility 31.129
Civil Penalty 31.130
Suit Against Election Officer 31.151
Definition 31.152
Creation of Position 31.153
Joint Elections Commission 31.154
Appointment of Joint Elections Administrator 31.155
Commission Meetings 31.156
Eligibility 31.157
Resignation 31.158
Termination of Employment 31.159
Filling Vacancy 31.160
Salary 31.161
Bond 31.162
Seal 31.163
Transfer of Records 31.164
Duties of Administrator Generally 31.165
Division of Certain Duties Between Officer and Administrator 31.166
Classification of Duties by Secretary of State 31.167
Misdirection of Document 31.168
Action by Wrong Officer 31.169
Addition or Withdrawal of Political Subdivisions 31.170
Abolishing Position 31.171
Criminal Penalties 31.0925
Request for Services Required
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Accessed:
Jun. 5, 2024

§ 31.005’s source at texas​.gov