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Committee approves bill letting cities set Saturday early‑voting rules after amendment making Saturdays the default
Summary
House Bill 397, which gives municipalities leeway on Saturday early voting, passed the Elections Subcommittee after members amended the bill so Saturdays are included by default (cities must opt out). Supporters cited cost burdens on small municipalities; opponents warned the change could reduce voter access and cause confusion.
Representative Tim Fleming presented House Bill 397 to the Elections Subcommittee to give municipalities options about Saturday early voting in municipal contests. Fleming said the measure would not eliminate Saturday voting but would allow municipalities to choose whether to hold one or two Saturday early‑voting days or none, a change intended to reduce costs for small cities that rarely see Saturday turnout.
Committee members debated access and…
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