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The Texas Senate is advancing a proposed bill that would require the secretary of state to appoint a chief election marshal. This official would name election officers in regions statewide to look into suspected election violations. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, filed the bill, which the Senate approved last week. Under its provisions, the Texas Department of Public Safety could be called on to protect poll watchers, make sure ballots are handled through the proper chain of custody, and provide security on election days.