Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023
Impact
If passed, HB4474 would reinforce existing practices surrounding congressional oversight of election administration by legally mandating state compliance. It stipulates that designated observers can view all facets of the election process including polling places and ballot handling, thereby creating a more robust framework for federal oversight. This move is intended to enhance the integrity of elections and provide congress with the necessary information to address any potential disputes arising from election outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 4474, known as the Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023, seeks to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to formally require states to provide access to designated congressional election observers. These observers would be granted full access to observe all aspects of election administration procedures, particularly during federal elections. The bill is grounded in the constitutional authority of Congress to oversee the election processes for its members, aiming to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
Contention
Despite the intention of the bill to bolster election oversight, it may face opposition from state authorities concerned about federal overreach into state-administered election processes. Critics may argue that the requirement for congressional observers could complicate local election administration, infringe on state control, and raise questions about the practical implications of increased federal presence during elections. Consequently, the balance between federal oversight and states' rights will likely be a significant point of contention in legislative discussions surrounding HB4474.
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
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.
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