Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB154

Introduced

1/3/25

Refer

1/3/25

Caption

Election Day Act

Impact

If enacted, HB154 would necessitate changes in how businesses and government agencies operate on Election Day. Federal employees would receive a day off, which could set a precedent for state and private employers to follow suit. The impact on small businesses and service industries may include staffing challenges and potential economic implications due to reduced operational days. However, proponents argue that the long-term benefits of increased voter turnout outweigh these concerns.

Summary

House Bill 154, known as the Election Day Act, aims to amend Title 5 of the United States Code to establish Election Day as a federal holiday. This legislation is intended to enhance voter participation by allowing citizens a day off to engage in the electoral process without the pressure of work or other commitments. By making Election Day a recognized holiday, the bill seeks to promote civic duty and ensure that Americans have ample opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

Contention

While the idea of designating Election Day as a federal holiday is broadly supported, there are points of contention regarding its implementation. Some critics argue that a federal holiday could disrupt public services and the economy. They also raise concerns about potential plans to extend holidays or create additional paid time off for workers, fearing this could set a precedent for further legislative changes in labor practices. Proponents, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of facilitating greater voter engagement and ensuring that everyone has access to the polls.

Congress_id

119-HR-154

Policy_area

Government Operations and Politics

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB7321

Electronic Filing of Electioneering Communication Reports Act

US HB6267

Election Day Act

US HB7329

Election Day Holiday Act of 2024

US HB154

Securing our Elections Act of 2023 This 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 an election official 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.