Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1295

Introduced
3/1/23  

Caption

Early Voting Act

Impact

The enactment of HB1295 would significantly modify existing regulations within the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The bill is designed to standardize early voting requirements across states, addressing variations that currently exist in the accessibility of voting. Many proponents argue that these changes will improve voter turnout by creating more opportunities for individuals to participate in the electoral process. Furthermore, polling places located near public transportation and in rural areas will enhance accessibility, ensuring that voters from diverse backgrounds are not disenfranchised.

Summary

House Bill 1295, known as the Early Voting Act, aims to enhance voter accessibility by mandating provisions for early voting in federal elections. The bill requires each state to offer a minimum early voting period of 15 consecutive days prior to an election, ensuring individuals can cast their ballots in person. This proposal emphasizes the opportunity for voters to access polling places, which must be open for a minimum of ten hours each day during this early voting period, including weekends. States can also establish additional early voting days before the mandated period begins.

Contention

There may be contentious points regarding HB1295, particularly from states that have historically resisted federally mandated changes to election laws. Some legislators and advocacy groups may raise concerns about the implementation cost, potential administrative burdens on state election officials, and the legitimacy of federal oversight into state-level operations. Additionally, there may be ongoing debates surrounding voter identification requirements and processes for ballot tabulation that could impact the effectiveness of the early voting provisions outlined in the bill.

Companion Bills

US HB11

Related 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 SB2344

Related 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 SB1

Related 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.