Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB2576

Introduced
7/31/25  

Caption

Election Mail Act

Impact

If enacted, the Election Mail Act would have significant implications for how ballots are processed and received by voters. It establishes a framework for same-day processing of ballots, ensuring that voters' mail-in ballots are handled efficiently to prevent delays that could disenfranchise voters. Moreover, the bill includes provisions for identifying election mail using intelligent mail barcodes, which can enhance tracking and transparency in the voting process. It also stipulates that completed mail-in ballots will be carried free of postage, potentially increasing participation from those who may be deterred by mailing costs.

Summary

SB2576, known as the Election Mail Act, aims to amend Title 39 of the United States Code and the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The primary objective of the bill is to enhance the procedures and requirements related to the management and delivery of election mail, including absentee ballots. The Act seeks to ensure that ballots carried by the Postal Service are processed and cleared on the same day they are received at postal facilities. This reform is considered critical to facilitate timely voting and improve overall voter participation in federal elections.

Contention

There are points of contention regarding the timelines and operational changes outlined in the bill. Some stakeholders express concerns about the logistics and feasibility of implementing same-day processing by the Postal Service, particularly during periods of high mail volume. Additionally, the restriction on operational changes within 120 days leading up to elections could be seen as a regulatory burden on the Postal Service. While proponents argue that these measures reinforce voting access and reliability, there may be opposition focusing on the practicality of imposing such requirements on the postal infrastructure.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB1391

Election Mail Act

US HB2987

Election Mail Act

US HB4494

Ensuring Faith in Our Elections Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act

US HB4476

Election Integrity Mail Reform Act of 2023

US HB4415

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Election Fraud Prevention Act

US HB4477

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Election Integrity and Voter Confidence Act

US SB2344

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 HB4563

ACE Act End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Don't Weaponize the IRS Act American Confidence in Elections Act

US SB1

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 HB11

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.