Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB2843

Introduced
9/19/23  

Caption

Same Day Registration Act

Impact

If passed, SB2843 would significantly alter the voter registration landscape across the United States. It aims to enhance voter participation by removing barriers related to pre-election registration deadlines, potentially leading to increased turnout, especially among demographics that may face challenges in registering ahead of time. The legislation is expected to streamline the voting process, making it more user-friendly and inclusive for a broader cross-section of voters.

Summary

SB2843, known as the Same Day Registration Act, seeks to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by mandating that states offer same-day voter registration to eligible individuals during federal elections. This initiative allows individuals to register to vote at polling places on the same day they cast their ballots, including during early voting periods. The bill specifies that states must provide the necessary forms for registration at every polling location to ensure accessibility for voters.

Contention

Despite its intentions to improve access to voting, the bill may encounter opposition from certain states that have historically maintained stringent voter registration processes. Critics may argue that same-day registration can lead to challenges in verifying voter eligibility, raising concerns about electoral integrity. Proponents, however, highlight that many states that already implement such measures have not faced significant issues related to fraud, thus framing the discussion as a necessary step towards democratizing access to the electoral system.

Companion Bills

US HB239

Related Same Day Registration Act of 2023 This bill requires states with a voter registration requirement to make same-day voter registration available at the polling place on any day voting is permitted.

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.