America Votes Act of 2021

America Votes Act of 2021

This bill permits the use of sworn written statements to meet identification requirements for voting in federal elections.

Specifically, an individual who is required to present identification as a condition of voting in a federal election may meet this requirement by presenting a sworn written statement attesting to the individual's identification and that he or she is registered to vote in the election. An individual who wants to vote by mail may submit such a statement with the ballot.

States with an identification requirement must make copies of a preprinted version of the statement available for individuals to complete.

Additionally, states must provide these individuals with a regular ballot instead of a provisional ballot.

The bill does not apply to first-time voters registering by mail.

The America Votes Act of 2021, also known as Bill 117 hr 1059, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to expand and protect voting rights for all Americans.

Some key provisions of the America Votes Act include:

1. Automatic voter registration: This provision would require states to automatically register eligible voters when they interact with government agencies, such as when applying for a driver's license or receiving social services. 2. Same-day voter registration: This provision would allow eligible voters to register and vote on the same day, making it easier for individuals who may have missed registration deadlines to still participate in elections. 3. Early voting: The bill would require states to offer at least 15 days of early voting for federal elections, giving voters more flexibility in when and where they can cast their ballots. 4. Voting rights restoration: The America Votes Act would restore voting rights to individuals with past felony convictions, ensuring that more Americans have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. 5. Election security measures: The bill includes provisions to enhance election security, such as requiring states to use paper ballots and implement post-election audits to verify the accuracy of election results. Overall, the America Votes Act of 2021 aims to make voting more accessible and secure for all Americans, regardless of their background or circumstances. Supporters of the bill argue that these measures are necessary to strengthen democracy and ensure that every voice is heard in the electoral process.