Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB2575

Introduced
7/27/23  

Caption

Preventing Election Subversion Act of 2023

Impact

One of the significant aspects of SB2575 is the establishment of stricter regulations surrounding the removal of local election administrators. The bill stipulates that a statewide election administrator can only suspend or remove local officials for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance. This limitation is designed to protect local officials from arbitrary political pressures, ensuring that elections are administered fairly and without undue influence. This aspect is particularly pertinent given recent allegations of politically motivated removals in various jurisdictions, thereby aiming to uphold the independence of local election administration.

Summary

Senate Bill 2575, titled the Preventing Election Subversion Act of 2023, seeks to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 with the primary aim of increasing protections for election workers and voters specifically during federal elections. The bill acknowledges Congress's broad authority under the Elections Clause to regulate the conduct of federal elections and mandates standards ensuring fair and impartial election administration by state and local officials. These provisions intend to bolster the integrity of the electoral process at a time when trust in electoral systems is critical to the democratic process.

Contention

The bill may face contention, particularly around its enforcement mechanisms and the balance of power between state authority and federal oversight in election administration. Critics may argue that while the intention to protect election integrity is commendable, imposing federal standards could be seen as encroaching on state sovereignty. Furthermore, the stipulation against challenges to voter eligibility close to election day may also stir debate, with some stakeholders concerned that it could hinder election security measures. Overall, the bill could serve as a focal point for discussions on federalism and election integrity.

Companion Bills

US HB5046

Same As Preventing Election Subversion 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

US HB5046

Preventing Election Subversion Act of 2023

US HB3559

FAA Research and Development Act of 2023

US SB1150

National Nursing Workforce Center Act of 2023

US SB2180

Small Farm Conservation Act

US HB2824

FIGDA Act of 2023 Fostering Innovation in Global Development Assistance Act of 2023

US HB2689

Trust in Government Act of 2023

US HB1737

Supporting Our First Responders Act

US HB4866

Fire Weather Development Act of 2024