Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4544

Introduced
7/11/23  

Caption

No Federal Funds for Ballot Harvesting Act

Impact

If passed, HB4544 would have significant implications for state election laws, as states permitting ballot harvesting would lose federal funding for election administration. This change could lead to heightened scrutiny and potential changes in how states conduct elections in order to maintain eligibility for federal financial assistance. By enforcing stricter controls on who may collect and submit ballots, the bill aims to enhance election security while encouraging states to adopt laws that restrict ballot harvesting; however, it may also limit access to voting for individuals who rely on assistance.

Summary

House Bill 4544, titled the 'No Federal Funds for Ballot Harvesting Act', aims to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by prohibiting the use of federal funds for election administration in states that allow practices such as ballot harvesting. The bill is designed to address concerns surrounding the integrity of election processes, particularly the potential for fraud associated with individuals other than voters collecting and submitting ballots. The legislative findings detail incidences of suspected ballot harvesting in states like California and North Carolina, arguing that this practice undermines the established chain of custody for ballots and poses risks for voter influence by political operatives.

Contention

Debate around HB4544 is likely to center on the balance between protecting election integrity and ensuring access to the voting process. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for preventing election-related fraud and maintaining public confidence in electoral outcomes. Conversely, critics may highlight concerns that such restrictions could disenfranchise voters who are elderly, disabled, or lack transportation. The exclusion of certain parties from ballot collection may complicate the voting process for these individuals, raising questions about the inclusivity of state election mechanisms.

Companion Bills

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

US HB4563

Related 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

Previously Filed As

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 HB156

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.

US HB4477

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Election Integrity and Voter Confidence 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 HB4415

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Election Fraud Prevention Act

US HB4650

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Provisional Ballot Reform Act

US HB466

Securing America's Elections Act of 2023 This bill requires voting systems for federal elections to produce paper ballots that the voter may inspect and verify before the vote is cast and counted. The bill also (1) requires the paper ballot to be suitable for manual audits, (2) prescribes approved methods for such audits, and (3) directs the Department of Homeland Security and the Election Assistance Commission to report on the desirability of using open-source software in voting systems.

US SB2425

Ballot harvesting; define terms.

US HB4523

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Ballot Security Act

US SB761

Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.