Us Congress House Bill HB4494

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/6/23
• Refer: 7/6/23

Caption

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

Impact

Upon enactment, HB 4494 would significantly influence state election laws. It directs states to ensure that only eligible American citizens can vote in federal elections, thereby necessitating rigorous maintenance of voter registration lists. Failure to comply with the requirements could lead to a reduction in federal funds allocated to those states or local jurisdictions that permit non-citizen voting. Additionally, the bill delineates specific reporting requirements for states regarding the maintenance of these lists, hence increasing transparency in electoral processes.

Summary

House Bill 4494, titled the 'Ensuring Faith in Our Elections Act', seeks to enhance election integrity and increase voter confidence in federal elections. The bill proposes measures aimed at removing federal obstacles that impede state governance over election processes. It emphasizes the need for states to have the necessary tools and guidelines to effectively oversee and manage federal elections, while also reinforcing the prohibition on non-citizens participating in these elections. Notably, it mandates that states maintain accurate and updated voter registration lists to exclude ineligible voters.

Contention

Despite its aims, HB 4494 has sparked contention among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that the bill is vital for preserving the sanctity of elections and combating voter fraud. Conversely, critics contend that it could disenfranchise eligible voters through stricter identification and registration requirements, potentially leading to unjust penalties for states striving to manage their election systems. Issues such as ballot harvesting are also addressed, with the bill proposing restrictions that some advocate as necessary for election security, while others view them as excessive and potentially damaging to voter turnout.