If enacted, HB4500 would significantly impact how federal agencies interact with the public regarding voting processes. It specifically prohibits the use of federal funds to solicit or enter into agreements with outside organizations for voter registration or mobilization. This might impede efforts to broaden voter access, particularly in traditionally underrepresented communities, by cutting off resources to organizations that often serve as critical links in these processes.
Summary
House Bill 4500, titled the 'Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act', seeks to restrict federal agencies from engaging with nongovernmental organizations to facilitate voter registration or mobilization activities. The bill's proponents argue that it aims to preserve the integrity of elections by limiting federal influence in what they term as potentially biased forms of voter engagement. This bill appears to aim at ensuring that taxpayer funds are not used for activities that could be perceived as politically motivated.
Contention
The bill has sparked debate, particularly in terms of its implications for voter accessibility and civic engagement. Critics argue that restricting federal agencies from collaborating with nonprofits could exacerbate existing disparities in voter registration and participation. Supporters claim that limiting these interactions is essential to avoid potential conflicts of interest and ensure an impartial electoral framework. The contention lies in balancing the need for fair elections while promoting civic participation and access to voting.
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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.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.