The bill is expected to increase voter participation significantly by making it easier for citizens to cast their ballots from home, which has been shown to enhance voter turnout, particularly in special and primary elections. Since the implementation of increased vote-by-mail options during the COVID-19 pandemic, many states saw record-high turnout rates, indicating a strong public preference for accessible voting methods. If enacted, the bill will likely standardize mail-in voting practices across states, aiming for a more inclusive electoral process.
Summary
SB700, also known as the 'Vote at Home Act of 2023', aims to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by allowing all eligible voters to vote by mail in federal elections and providing for automatic voter registration through state motor vehicle authorities. The proposed legislation seeks to address existing inequalities in voting rights across different states, ensuring that all voters have the same access to mail-in voting regardless of their state of residence. This change is particularly vital for individuals with disabilities and those facing challenges in accessing polling places on election day.
Contention
Debate around SB700 may arise regarding concerns about election security and the potential for voter fraud in mail-in ballots. However, research and previous implementations in some states have shown that vote-by-mail systems can be secure and effective. Critics might argue that automatic voter registration could result in inaccuracies, but the bill includes measures to ensure that individuals are only registered if they meet eligibility requirements. This balance of accessibility and security represents a notable point of contention in discussions surrounding the bill.
Freedom to Vote Act Voters’ Access to Water Act Right to Vote Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2023 Help America Run Act Government By the People Act of 2023 Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act Stop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination Act Spotlight Act Honest Ads Act DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023 Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023 Voter Empowerment Act of 2023
Restoring Faith in Elections Act This bill establishes certain standards for voting, including voting by mail, in federal elections. It also establishes certain requirements for voter registration and maintenance of official lists of eligible voters. First, the bill establishes certain requirements for voting by mail in federal elections, including by requiring mail-in ballots to be received by the time the polls close on election day. Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful to possess or return a mail-in ballot completed by another person (commonly referred to as ballot harvesting), with exceptions. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to one year, or both. Further, the bill establishes certain requirements for reporting results of federal elections, including by requiring states to count all eligible ballots within 24 hours after the election. Next, the bill provides for the automatic registration of eligible voters. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to implement these automatic voter registration programs. It also requires states and jurisdictions to use standards that apply equally to all methods of voting used in federal elections, including standards related to signature verification. Finally, the bill establishes the National Deconfliction Voting Database and Clearinghouse to serve as a database and clearinghouse for voter registration records and lists of eligible voters. Additionally, each state must certify that it has removed ineligible voters from the official list of eligible voters prior to the federal election.