CHAPTER 278. VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE FOR JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
ELECTION CODE
TITLE 16. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 278. VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE FOR JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
Sec. 278.001. APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. This chapter applies to
each candidate whose name is to appear on the ballot or a list of
declared write-in candidates in a judicial election.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1285, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 278.002. INTERNET VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE. The secretary
of state may implement a voter information service program to:
(1) compile information on candidates for election in the form
of a voter information guide; and
(2) make the guide available to the public on the Internet.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1285, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 278.003. STATEMENT FILED BY CANDIDATE. If the secretary of
state implements a voter information service program, a candidate
may file with the secretary not later than the 70th day before
the date of the judicial election an informational statement, on
a form prescribed by the secretary, to be included in the voter
information guide for that election.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1285, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 278.004. STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS. (a) A candidate's
statement must include a summary of the following information:
(1) current occupation;
(2) educational and occupational background;
(3) biographical information; and
(4) any previous experience serving in government.
(b) The secretary of state may prescribe the format and length
of the candidate's statement.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1285, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 278.005. REVIEW BY SECRETARY OF STATE. (a) Not later than
the fifth day after the date the candidate's statement is
received, the secretary of state may review the statement to
determine whether it complies with this chapter.
(b) If the secretary of state determines that the statement does
not comply with the applicable requirements, the secretary may
reject the statement and deliver written notice of the reason for
the rejection to the candidate not later than the second day
after the date of rejection.
(c) A candidate whose statement is rejected may resubmit the
statement subject to the prescribed deadline.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1285, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 278.006. PREPARATION OF GUIDE. (a) The secretary of state
may contract for the preparation of the voter information guide
after soliciting bids for that work. The secretary may prepare
the guide if the secretary determines that the costs of that
preparation are less than or equal to the most reasonable bid
submitted.
(b) The voter information guide must include the candidates'
statements that comply with this chapter, with candidates for
election and write-in candidates for election as separate groups.
The order of the candidates' names within the groups is
determined by a drawing conducted by the secretary of state.
(c) The secretary of state may prescribe appropriate explanatory
material to be included in the voter information guide to assist
the voters, including a statement that the guide may be used at
the polls to assist the voters in marking their ballots.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1285, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 278.007. AVAILABILITY OF GUIDE. If the secretary of state
implements a voter information service program, the secretary may
make the voter information guide available to the public on the
Internet not later than the 45th day before the date of each
judicial election.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1285, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 278.008. ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES. The secretary of state may
prescribe any additional procedures necessary to implement this
chapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1285, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.