Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1439

Introduced
3/8/23  

Caption

Vote at Home Act of 2023

Impact

The implementation of HB1439 is expected to overhaul how federal elections are managed, making it easier for voters to receive and submit ballots by mail. By requiring states to mail ballots to all registered voters at least two weeks before elections, it seeks to alleviate the long lines and logistical challenges associated with in-person voting. Additionally, by automating the voter registration process through state motor vehicle authorities, the bill aims to further reduce barriers to participation, making it easier for voters to ensure they are registered to vote on election day.

Summary

House Bill 1439, also known as the Vote at Home Act of 2023, proposes significant amendments to the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The bill aims to extend mail-in voting rights to all eligible voters in federal elections while also initiating automatic voter registration. These changes address existing disparities in voting access across states, as some states provide easier access to mail-in voting than others. Proponents argue that such amendments are critical to ensuring equity and greater voter participation, particularly addressing the obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities, working families, and those living in rural areas.

Contention

Despite the advantages touted by supporters, the bill is not without contention. Opponents of mail-in voting often raise concerns about election fraud or the integrity of the electoral process. However, studies have indicated that mail-in voting, when properly managed, does not lead to significant fraud. Moreover, the bill seeks to counteract accusations of fraud with measures like ballot tracking systems and other safeguards. Critics may argue that setting up these new systems will incur state costs and might inadvertently lead to new bureaucratic hurdles, even as the bill seeks to simplify the voting process.

Companion Bills

US SB700

Related Vote at Home Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US SB700

Vote at Home Act of 2023

US HB5293

Youth Voting Rights Act

US HB2847

Vote at Home Act of 2025

US SB2344

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

US HB4563

ACE Act End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Don't Weaponize the IRS Act American Confidence in Elections Act

US HB861

America Votes Act of 2023

US HB11

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US SB1887

Vote at Home Act of 2025

US SB1

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US HB4460

NO VOTE for Non-Citizens Act of 2023 Non-citizens: Outlawed from Voting in Our Trusted Elections Act of 2023

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