The Texas House Committee on Elections today heard public testimony on House Bill 311, which would’ve established Texas online voter registration for those eligible.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2025
CONTACT: Emily Witt (she/her), [email protected]
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House Committee on Elections today heard public testimony on House Bill 311. The legislation would have allowed eligible voters to register online, bringing Texas up to date with the 43 other states that offer online voter registration.
Filed by Rep. John Bucy (D-Austin), the bill has since been left pending in committee, effectively killing it for the 2025 legislative cycle.
HB 311 purported to establish a secure, state-run system for online voter registration—a cost-effective tool proven to enhance accuracy in voter rolls, reduce administrative burden, and expand access to the ballot, especially in rural communities and among younger voters.
Texas Freedom Network Political Director Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her) issued the following statement:
“While we celebrate the efforts of Rep. Bucy to create a Texas where everyone’s voices can be heard at the ballot box, we’re deeply disappointed in lawmakers who chose to hold this legislation hostage by refusing to hear it in committee until it was too late. The late hearing on HB 311 was a mere courtesy. The same lawmakers who effectively blocked HB 311 held this hearing to feign interest in voting access, but never intended to pass it. This is performative democracy, designed to create the illusion of progress while maintaining the same old barriers to participation.
“Online voter registration is standard practice across the country. The only reason to block it is to keep voter rolls smaller and turnout lower. HB 311’s failure to move forward reinforces a political strategy long used by Texas leaders: appear to entertain reforms while ultimately preserving systems that disempower young voters, communities of color, and working-class Texans.
“They attack our voting rights because they’re terrified of our collective strength. We will never stop fighting to build our voting power and expand access to the ballot box. Together, we can create the Texas we deserve.”
