Sec. 571.001.  PURPOSE.  It is the policy of the legislature to protect the constitutional privilege of free suffrage by regulating elections and prohibiting undue influence while also protecting the constitutional right of the governed to apply to their government for the redress of grievances.  This chapter is intended to achieve those purposes and shall be construed to achieve the following objectives:
(1)  to control and reduce the cost of elections;
(2)  to eliminate opportunities for undue influence over elections and governmental actions;
(3)  to disclose fully information related to expenditures and contributions for elections and for petitioning the government;
(4)  to enhance the potential for individual participation in electoral and governmental processes;  and
(5)  to ensure the public's confidence and trust in its government.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.