Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1487

Introduced
5/9/23  

Caption

Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2023

Impact

This bill is significant in its proposed enhancement of protections surrounding election processes, aiming to solidify the legal requirements for preserving critical election records. It not only reinforces the traditional understanding of what constitutes election records but also expands this to include electronic records and equipment used during elections. These changes underscore a proactive measure by Congress to reinforce legislative safeguards against the misconduct or negligence that could compromise election integrity.

Summary

SB1487, known as the 'Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2023', seeks to enhance the legislative framework protecting election records, materials, and processes across the United States. The bill amends sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1960 to expand the definition of election records and ensure their preservation, including both physical and electronic formats. This focus on safeguarding election documentation is a direct response to escalating concerns over election integrity and potential interference, particularly amidst recent national debates about election security.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1487 revolve around the implications of increased penalties for violations associated with election record preservation. The introduction of criminal penalties for actions such as the theft or destruction of election materials signifies a strict stance on election-related infractions. Critics may argue, however, that the approach could foster an environment excessively punitive toward election officials, while supporters likely view it as necessary enforcement to deter malicious activity. Additionally, the bill introduces mechanisms for judicial review to ensure compliance with these requirements, which indicates a potential increase in legal scrutiny regarding election administration.

Companion Bills

US HB3130

Same As Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2023

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.