If enacted, HB 3704 will significantly affect the way federal elections are conducted by reinforcing a 'winner-takes-all' approach to voting, which supporters argue will simplify the electoral process. This act may also reinforce existing electoral frameworks in states that already utilize ranking systems, making it illegal for them to continue such practices for federal offices. The bill reflects a broader national debate regarding voting systems and will likely prompt responses from states that favor ranked choice voting, which proponents argue can ensure more representative results by allowing voters to express preferences beyond a single candidate.
Summary
House Bill 3704, titled the 'One Vote One Choice Act', seeks to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by explicitly prohibiting states from implementing ranked choice voting systems for federal elections. This legislative initiative introduces a critical shift toward maintaining traditional voting methodologies, as it mandates that every federal election must utilize a voting system where voters select a single candidate rather than rank candidates by preference. The bill aims to standardize the elections process across the states concerning federal positions, asserting that ranked choice voting can lead to complications in ballot counting and voter education.
Contention
The proposed ban on ranked choice voting has sparked considerable controversy. Critics argue that it undermines voter choice and can stifle democratic innovation within states willing to experiment with their electoral processes. Supporters of ranked choice voting assert that it provides a fairer representation of voters' preferences and enhances engagement by allowing voters to support third-party candidates without feeling that their vote is wasted. Therefore, the bill has led to a divisive dialogue amongst lawmakers and the public about the intended effects on voter access and the overall integrity of election practices.
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
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
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.