Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4407

Introduced
6/30/23  

Caption

Voluntarily Offered Tools for Election Reforms by States Act

Impact

This legislation aims to foster a more uniform approach to election administration across states while preserving the principle of voluntary compliance. States will be encouraged to adopt these considerations as a framework for improving their election processes without mandating adherence as a condition for receiving federal funding. This approach could lead to enhanced election integrity and public confidence in electoral outcomes without infringing on states' autonomy. Additionally, by establishing guidelines, the bill strives to standardize practices concerning key issues like ballot counting and voter identification, which have been points of contention in various jurisdictions.

Summary

House Bill 4407, known as the Voluntarily Offered Tools for Election Reforms by States Act (VOTERS Act), seeks to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002, offering guidelines for states regarding the administration of elections for federal offices. The bill instructs the Standards Board of the Election Assistance Commission to release voluntary considerations, which are based on state experiences and practices that have been successful or unsuccessful. These considerations cover a range of topics essential to the electoral process, including mail-in ballot procedures, signature verification, voter registration maintenance, and election observer access.

Contention

While proponents argue that the bill will enhance national election integrity and streamline various processes, opponents may raise concerns regarding states' rights and the potential federal overreach into state election administration. The voluntary nature of the considerations means that compliance is not enforced, leading to questions about their effectiveness in practice. Significant debates could arise surrounding the specifics of the guidelines released, particularly concerning signature verification processes and the methods of tracking mail-in ballots, as these issues have historically been contentious in discussions about voter fraud and accessibility.

Companion Bills

US HB4563

Similar To 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 HB4494

Related Ensuring Faith in Our Elections Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act

Previously Filed As

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 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 HB5295

Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act Expanding the VOTE Act

US HB2987

Election Mail Act

US HB4460

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

US HB4543

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Timely Reporting of Election Results Act

US HB5294

Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act

US HB4494

Ensuring Faith in Our Elections Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act

US HB3257

Election Integrity Act of 2023

US HB4928

National Security Reforms and Accountability Act National Emergencies Reform Act Arms Export Control Reform Act War Powers Resolution Modernization and Accountability Act

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