The bill acknowledges a critical trend of disenfranchisement, particularly impacting communities of color and individuals with disabilities, who are more likely to encounter long wait times. Research cited in the bill indicates that such delays have previously dissuaded voters from participating in elections, resulting in significant drops in voter turnout, especially among marginalized groups. By enforcing a maximum waiting time, the bill aims to enhance the voting experience and encourage greater participation in elections, thus reinforcing the democratic process.
Summary
House Bill 5291, known as the 'People Over Long Lines Act' or the 'POLL Act', intends to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by addressing the issue of long waiting times that voters face at polling places during federal elections. The bill mandates that states create and submit a public plan to ensure that voters do not wait more than 30 minutes in line to vote. This plan should particularly consider the needs of voters with disabilities and be made available for public comment before submission. States failing to meet these criteria will be required to implement remedial action plans to improve their voter waiting times.
Contention
While the efforts outlined in HB 5291 are largely supported by advocates for voter rights, there is potential contention regarding the implementation of state plans and the allocation of resources. Some critics may argue that the bill could impose undue financial burdens on state election offices, especially those that are already underfunded. Moreover, debates may arise over the adequacy of state plans and whether the measures taken will sufficiently address the systemic issues leading to long wait times at polling locations. Ensuring compliance and effectively managing the coordination between the federal and state governments could also present challenges.
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 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.
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John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices may take effect. Preclearance is the process of receiving preapproval from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before making legal changes that would affect voting rights. A state and all of its political subdivisions shall be subject to preclearance of voting practice changes for a 10-year period if, during the previous 25 years: 15 or more voting rights violations occurred in the state; 10 or more violations occurred, at least 1 of which was committed by the state itself; or 3 or more violations occurred and the state administers the elections. A political subdivision as a separate unit shall also be subject to preclearance for a 10-year period if three or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years. States and political subdivisions that meet certain thresholds regarding minority groups must preclear covered practices before implementation, such as redistricting. States and political subdivisions must notify the public of changes to voting practices. The bill authorizes DOJ to require states or political subdivisions to provide certain documents or answers to questions for enforcing voting rights. The bill outlines factors courts must consider when hearing challenges to voting practices, such as the extent of any history of official voting discrimination in the state or political subdivision.