Senate adopts election‑procedure change to treat early voting and Election Day as continuous period

The Texas Senate adopted the conference committee report on Senate Bill 2753, which modifies the state's early‑voting structure by treating early voting and Election Day as a single continuous in‑person voting period. Senator Bryan Hughes presented the conference report and Senator Susan Hall moved adoption on the floor; the Senate approved the measure 20 ayes to 11 nays.

Under the conference committee report, in‑person voting hours will remain the same in number but will be linked so early voting does not pause between the last early‑voting day and Election Day — effectively creating one continuous voting period. Supporters said the change will help counties secure and reconcile results, produce in‑person returns at each polling place immediately after polls close, and reduce administrative confusion.

Senator Hall told colleagues the Secretary of State must adopt rules and procedures for implementation and consult with county election officials. The conference language sets a latest‑implementation date of August 2027 to give counties time to prepare; the report requires the Secretary of State to publish a notice in the Texas Register and confirm county readiness before a statewide rollout.

Opponents and some county administrators had previously raised concerns about an early implementation date that would not give local officials adequate time to adapt. The conference committee approach preserved a later latest‑effective date and added a consultative step with counties.

Senator Hall moved adoption of the conference committee report; the roll call was 20 ayes and 11 nays. The bill will require the Secretary of State to issue implementing rules and coordinate with counties before changes take effect.