Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB529

Introduced
1/16/25  

Caption

Restoring American Confidence in Elections Act or the RACE ActThis bill establishes deadlines for states to count ballots and certify results in federal elections. Specifically, the bill requires a state to finish counting the ballots cast in a federal election held in the state not later than 10:00 p.m. on the date of the election. Further, the state must certify the election results not later than 48 hours after the election. The bill provides exceptions to these deadlines for bona fide emergencies (e.g., major disasters) or technical difficulties (e.g., malfunctioning election equipment or software).

Impact

The proposed amendments will significantly affect state election procedures by enforcing uniform deadlines across the nation. Proponents argue that these changes will minimize delays in ballot counting and certification, addressing concerns about election integrity and potential disputes following elections. By mandating prompt reporting of results, the bill aspires to create a more reliable electoral process that upholds the democratic principle of accountability.

Summary

House Bill 529, titled the 'Restoring American Confidence in Elections Act' (RACE Act), seeks to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by establishing specific deadlines for states to count ballots and certify results for federal elections. The bill mandates that states complete the counting of ballots by 10 p.m. on election day and certify results within 48 hours post-election. This legislative initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the electoral process, thereby restoring public confidence in electoral outcomes.

Contention

Notably, there are some areas of contention regarding HB 529. Critics may raise concerns regarding the feasibility of meeting these stringent deadlines, especially in states that have faced challenges with resource limitations or technical issues during past elections. Additionally, the bill’s exceptions for emergencies or technical difficulties could lead to potential exploitation or inconsistencies in how states handle unforeseen problems, prompting debates about state autonomy versus federal oversight in electoral processes. As such, while the bill seeks to streamline election management, it may also reignite discussions about the balance of power in election administration.

Congress_id

119-HR-529

Policy_area

Government Operations and Politics

Introduced_date

2025-01-16

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB7321

Electronic Filing of Electioneering Communication Reports Act

US HB4543

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Timely Reporting of Election Results 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 HB486

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to allow an individual who is not a U.S. citizen to vote in any election in the District of Columbia (DC). Further, DC must certify that it does not allow noncitizens to vote in elections as a condition of receiving any federal funds. Federal law bars noncitizens from voting in federal elections; however, the DC Council passed a bill on October 18, 2022, that allows noncitizens who meet residency and other requirements to vote in local elections.

US HB4650

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

US HB4523

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Ballot Security Act

US HB10524

To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit the use of Federal funds for the administration of elections for Federal, State, or local office in States which do not have in effect laws to permit units of local government to hold elections for local office in odd-numbered years, and for other purposes.

US HB9504

To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require information on the national debt to be included on ballots in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes.

US HB8499

Clean Elections in America Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.