Expanding Access to Early Voting Act of 2021

Expanding Access to Early Voting Act of 2021

This bill expands early in-person voting.

Specifically, the bill requires each state to allow individuals to vote in federal elections during an early voting period of at least 15 days.

Further, states must ensure that polling places are accessible by public transportation and located in rural areas.

The Election Assistance Commission must issue certain standards for early voting, including the nondiscriminatory geographic placement of polling places.

Finally, states must begin processing and scanning ballots cast during the early voting period at least 14 days prior to election day. However, states cannot tabulate ballots before the polls close on election day.

Bill 117 HR 640, also known as the Expanding Access to Early Voting Act of 2021, aims to increase access to early voting in federal elections. The bill requires states to allow for at least 15 days of early voting for federal elections, including weekends and evenings. This is intended to make it easier for individuals to vote, particularly those who may have difficulty voting on Election Day due to work or other commitments.

The bill also requires states to provide at least one early voting location for every 30,000 residents, in order to ensure that individuals have convenient access to early voting. Additionally, the bill prohibits states from imposing restrictions on early voting that disproportionately impact minority or low-income communities.

Overall, the Expanding Access to Early Voting Act of 2021 seeks to make the voting process more accessible and convenient for all eligible voters, with the goal of increasing voter turnout and ensuring that every voice is heard in federal elections.