The presiding judge must prepare the precinct election returns after the vote count, include required totals, and sign the completed returns.
Sec. 65.014. PREPARING THE PRECINCT RETURNS. (a) On completion of the vote count, the presiding judge shall prepare the returns of the election for the precinct. Text of subsection prior to the amendments made by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1184 (S.B. 2753), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2025. Applies to elections ordered before the date the Secretary of State issues the report required by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1184 (S.B. 2753), Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2025. (b) The returns must state: (1) the total number of voters who voted at the polling place as indicated by the poll list; and (2) the total number of votes counted for each candidate and for and against each measure. Text of subsection as amended by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1184 (S.B. 2753), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2025. Applies to elections ordered on or after the date the Secretary of State issues the report required by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1184 (S.B. 2753), Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2025. (b) The returns must state: (1) the total number of voters who voted at the polling place during early voting by personal appearance and on election day as indicated by the poll list; and (2) the total number of votes counted for each candidate and for and against each measure. (c) The returns shall be prepared as an original and three copies, and on completing the returns, the presiding judge shall sign each one to certify its accuracy. (d) A presiding judge commits an offense if the judge knowingly fails: (1) to include in the precinct returns the applicable information required by this code; or (2) to complete the returns in time for them to be delivered by the deadline prescribed by Section 66.053(c) for delivery of the precinct election records. (e) An offense under Subsection (d) is a Class B misdemeanor. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986. Amended by: Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1184 (S.B. 2753), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2025.