Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB3916

Introduced
3/12/24  

Caption

Right to Vote Act

Impact

The Act specifically addresses the issue of retrogression in voting rights, allowing voters to challenge any governmental restrictions that may make voting more difficult. Such challenges can be pursued via civil action in district courts, including those in the District of Columbia or in the plaintiff's local jurisdiction. Furthermore, SB3916 imposes an obligation on courts to expedite these cases, reinforcing the urgency of resolving issues related to voting rights. This can potentially streamline judicial processes concerning voter access and rights, ensuring that cases are heard in a timely manner.

Summary

SB3916, also known as the Right to Vote Act, establishes that every citizen of legal voting age has a fundamental right to participate in elections for federal office. The bill prohibits any governmental actions that would diminish the ability to vote unless such actions are the least restrictive means to achieve an important governmental interest. This is a significant legal stipulation that aims to protect voters from laws that could inadvertently restrict their right to vote, noting that substantial impairments may still apply even if voters can technically cast their votes.

Contention

Despite its protective intentions, the bill has caused notable contention among legislators. Proponents argue that the Act is essential for safeguarding democracy and ensuring that voters are not arbitrarily disenfranchised. Critics, however, may see it as potentially overreaching in its interpretation of what constitutes a substantial impairment to voting, thereby complicating the regulatory landscape surrounding election laws at both state and federal levels. The bill's phrasing around 'substantial impairment' could lead to extensive litigation, as various stakeholders may contest different interpretations of what constitutes an undue burden on voting rights.

Companion Bills

US HB8825

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.