Texas Advances Bill Allowing Election Judges To Arm Themselves at Polling Sites

Texas lawmakers have advanced a bill allowing election judges to carry firearms at polling sites, which could redefine election security measures amid growing concerns about poll worker safety.

Quick Takes

The Texas House passed House Bill 1128, which would permit election judges to carry firearms at polling locations.
Republican Rep. Carrie Isaac introduced the bill citing increasing threats and assaults against poll workers during recent elections.
The legislation aligns with Attorney General Ken Paxton’s 2018 opinion that election judges should have firearm privileges similar to district judges.
If passed by the Senate and signed by Governor Abbott, the law would take effect September 1.

New Legislation Responds to Election Worker Safety Concerns

The Texas House has approved legislation that would permit election judges to carry firearms at polling sites, amending current state law that prohibits guns at voting locations during elections. House Bill 1128, introduced by Republican Representative Carrie Isaac from Dripping Springs, now advances to the state Senate. The bill comes in response to concerns about threats and assaults against poll workers during elections, creating difficulties in recruiting and retaining election staff who often serve as volunteers in their communities.

“Some workers even quit mid-election out of fear for their safety. These are not isolated incidents. They are happening across Texas, and our workers are mostly volunteers giving their time to serve their communities. If we expect them to uphold the integrity of our elections, we must do our part,” Isaac said.

The proposed legislation specifically targets election judges, who are responsible for maintaining order and resolving disputes at polling stations. The bill would not extend firearm privileges to other election workers or the general public at voting locations. Attorney General Ken Paxton’s 2018 opinion, which suggested election judges should have the same authority to carry firearms as district judges, provides legal precedent for the measure. If passed by the Senate and signed by Governor Greg Abbott, the law would take effect on September 1.

Texas election judges could carry guns if bill OK’d by House becomes lawhttps://t.co/yNwSBBTURK

— LoneStar (@Lonestar357) May 8, 2025

Debates Over Election Security Approach

The bill has sparked significant debate among Texas lawmakers about the most effective approach to ensuring election security. Critics of the legislation, including Democratic lawmakers, have argued the bill could lead to potential escalation and voter intimidation. San Antonio Democrat Rep. Barbara Gerbin-Hawkins questioned the safety implications if an election judge were to discharge a weapon at a polling site. Others have suggested that the presence of firearms could create a tense atmosphere that might discourage voter participation.

However, the legislation aims to let election judges carry firearms as a deterrent to potential threats and provide immediate protection during incidents. Rep. Isaac pointed to practical limitations of relying solely on law enforcement, noting that police response times may not be quick enough during emergencies at polling locations, especially in areas with limited police resources.