Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB8825

Introduced
6/25/24  

Caption

Right to Vote Act

Impact

If enacted, HB 8825 would have a considerable impact on state and federal laws regarding voting procedures, reinforcing the idea that voting is a protected right. The bill mandates that any governmental action that might restrict voting must not only demonstrate a substantial governmental interest but also must not be overly burdensome. This could lead to increased scrutiny of laws that seek to regulate voting access, potentially invalidating those that do not meet the stringent requirements outlined in the bill.

Summary

House Bill 8825, also known as the Right to Vote Act, is a legislative proposal aimed at protecting the fundamental right to vote in federal elections. The bill establishes that every citizen of legal voting age has the right to participate in these elections and sets stringent requirements for any government action that might diminish or impair this right. Specifically, it prohibits any law or governmental action that burdens voting unless it can be shown as the least restrictive means of achieving a significant governmental interest.

Contention

The bill has generated notable discussion and some contention among legislators. Advocates argue that such protections are necessary in light of various state-level laws perceived to restrict voter access, while opponents may contend that these regulations are overly prescriptive and infringe on state rights to manage elections. Furthermore, the bill's provisions for judicial review create an outlet for individuals to challenge voting-related laws in court, emphasizing the role of the judiciary in safeguarding voting rights.

Companion Bills

US SB3916

Same As Right to Vote Act

US HB11

Related 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.

US SB2344

Related 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

US SB1

Related 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.