Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB487

Introduced
1/24/23  

Caption

Ensuring American Voters Act of 2023 This bill prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in federal elections unless the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.

Impact

The enactment of HB 487 would result in significant changes to how states manage voter registration. By mandating documentary proof of citizenship, states would be compelled to implement systems to verify that registrants meet this new criterion. Critics may argue that this could lead to disenfranchisement, particularly amongst marginalized groups who might lack the necessary documentation, thus raising concerns over equal access to the voting process. Conversely, proponents of the bill argue that these measures are crucial for maintaining election integrity and preventing voter fraud.

Summary

House Bill 487, known as the 'Ensuring American Voters Act of 2023', intends to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The primary focus of the bill is to require that individuals provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. This legislation aims to enforce stricter criteria for voter registration, effectively modifying the current processes established for voter enrollment across states. Under this bill, entities responsible for overseeing elections must ensure compliance with the new requirements, thereby tightening the registration procedure.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 487 include debates on the balance between election security and access to voting. Opponents claim that the bill could disproportionately affect low-income individuals and minorities who may find it difficult to obtain the required proofs of citizenship, thereby limiting their participation in the electoral process. Supporters, however, maintain that the bill will enhance public confidence in elections by ensuring that only eligible voters can register. As such, HB 487 has ignited a robust discussion on the implications of voter ID laws and citizenship verification processes.

Companion Bills

US HB627

Related bill VOTE Act Verification Of The Electorate Act

Previously Filed As

US HB4494

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

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 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 HB4477

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Election Integrity and Voter Confidence Act

US HB4496

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Voter List Maintenance Act

US HB154

Securing our Elections Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid photo identification. Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. In particular, an individual who does not present a valid photo identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed. An election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters. The bill also requires an election official to provide an individual with a valid photo identification without charge if that individual presents an affidavit attesting to an inability to afford or otherwise obtain a valid photo identification.

US HB3162

Protecting American Voters Act

US HB738

Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025This bill expands voting by mail in federal elections.Specifically, the bill prohibits states from imposing on eligible voters additional conditions or requirements to cast ballots by mail in federal elections, except states may impose a deadline for requesting the ballot and related voting materials and for returning a ballot.The bill also requires states to provide individuals with notice and opportunity to cure discrepancies or defects with their absentee or mail-in ballots.

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 HB363

Second Amendment Protection Act This bill exempts certain individuals who use medical marijuana from federal firearms-related restrictions. Currently, federal firearms laws prohibit an individual who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing a firearm or ammunition. This bill exempts from the prohibition an individual who uses marijuana for a medical purpose in accordance with state law.

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