The act stipulates that public institutions of higher education will be recognized as voter registration agencies, streamlining the process for students. Additionally, the bill outlines the necessity for states to provide absentee voting options and to remove unnecessary residency requirements that could hinder youth from voting. There will also be a focus on grants to states to facilitate activities that promote youth involvement in elections, including outreach to underrepresented groups.
Summary
SB2985, also known as the Youth Voting Rights Act, aims to enhance youth participation in federal elections by implementing various measures to increase access to voting for individuals aged 18 and younger. The bill includes provisions for states to establish preregistration processes for minors, allowing eligible individuals as young as 16 to register to vote in federal elections upon turning 18. This approach is expected to encourage civic engagement and familiarity with the electoral process among youth, ideally leading to higher voter turnout upon reaching voting age.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding SB2985 may include debates on voter identification requirements and potential concerns regarding privacy and the handling of personal information in preregistration processes. Opponents may argue that easing registration for young voters could lead to increased instances of voter fraud, although supporters emphasize the importance of empowering young citizens and fulfilling the legislative promise of the 26th Amendment. Ensuring equitable access while maintaining election integrity will be central to discussions among legislators.
Securing our Elections Act of 2025This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections.Specifically, the bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid photo identification.Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. In particular, an individual who does not present a valid photo identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed.An election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters.The bill also requires a state to provide an individual with a valid photo identification without charge if that individual presents an affidavit attesting to an inability to afford or otherwise obtain a valid photo identification.
To amend the Small Business Act to reauthorize and modify the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Research programs, and for other purposes.