🟩Relating to the text on an application for a ballot to be voted by mail and other balloting materials
HB 3697
✅ HB 3697: Larger, Clearer Print for Mail-in Ballots
What it says it does:
HB 3697 updates the Election Code to require larger, more readable print on mail-in ballot applications and voter instructions. It sets new minimum sizes for forms and text to make sure the materials are easier to read, especially for seniors and voters with visual impairments.
What it actually changes:
It raises the font size on mail ballot applications from 6-point to 10-point, and on instructions from 6-point to 12-point. All instructions must be printed in black text on a white background. Applications must be at least 8 by 9 inches. The Senate version removed the white background rule for applications, but kept it for instructions. The new standards apply to elections ordered on or after September 1, 2025.
Who is pushing for it:
Authored by Rep. Philip Cortez and sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Judith Zaffirini. The bill was backed by civil rights and disability rights advocates including Common Cause Texas, Texas Civil Rights Project, ACLU of Texas, Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, and Clean Elections Texas. County clerks and the Secretary of State’s office also supported the idea of standardizing forms statewide.
Who benefits:
Older voters, visually impaired Texans, and county election officials who have struggled with inconsistent ballot formats. This bill creates a single statewide standard and improves accessibility without adding major costs.
Who gets left out or exposed:
The Senate amendments weakened the accessibility goal. The final version allows 10-point font instead of 12-point and removes the white background requirement for applications. That leaves some voters with low vision still at risk of missing information on critical voting documents.
Why this matters long term:
HB 3697 shows that small details, like font size, can determine whether voting is accessible or confusing. It builds a baseline for clearer ballots and proves that advocacy can shape practical reforms when people stay engaged.
What to watch next:
Counties will need to adopt the new print standards by September 2025. Lawmakers could strengthen the law next session by restoring the white background rule and requiring reports on accessibility outcomes after the 2026 elections.
Bottom line:
This is a small but meaningful win for accessibility and voter clarity. It makes vote-by-mail forms easier to read and more consistent statewide. The final version is weaker than the original, but it’s a step toward fairer access and cleaner elections for everyday Texans.
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