Texas § EL.61.005 - SECURITY OF BALLOTS, BALLOT BOXES, AND ENVELOPES
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § EL.61.005 — SECURITY OF BALLOTS, BALLOT BOXES, AND ENVELOPES, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ EL.61.005. SECURITY OF BALLOTS, BALLOT BOXES, AND ENVELOPES
SECURITY OF BALLOTS, BALLOT BOXES, AND ENVELOPES. (a) From the time a presiding judge receives the official ballots for an election until the precinct returns for that election have been certified, the presiding judge shall take the precautions necessary to prevent access to the ballots, ballot boxes, and envelopes used for provisional ballots in a manner not authorized by law. (b) The ballots, ballot boxes, and envelopes used for provisional ballots at a polling place shall be in plain view of at least one election officer from the time the polls open for voting until the precinct returns have been certified. (c) A presiding election judge commits an offense if the judge fails to prevent another person from handling a ballot box containing voters' marked ballots or an envelope containing a voter's provisional ballot in an unauthorized manner or from making an unauthorized entry into the ballot box or envelope. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1078, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1315, Sec. 19, eff. Jan. 1, 2004.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § EL.61.005
What does The Texas Constitution § EL.61.005 cover?
Section EL.61.005 ("SECURITY OF BALLOTS, BALLOT BOXES, AND ENVELOPES") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § EL.61.005?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § EL.61.005" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § EL.61.005 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.