Right to Vote Act

1/1/2023, 8:17 PM

Right to Vote Act

This bill addresses the right to vote in federal elections.

Specifically, the bill declares that every citizen of legal voting age shall have the fundamental right to vote in federal elections.

In addition, the bill prohibits federal, state, and local governments from substantially impairing the ability to vote in federal elections unless the government action furthers an important and particularized governmental interest. Further, the bill specifies that a government may not diminish the ability to vote in federal elections unless the action uses the least restrictive means to achieve such an interest.

A violation of rights created by the bill may be challenged in district court, and a prevailing plaintiff may receive attorney fees. The bill outlines judicial review standards for challenges to voting practices.

Congress
117

Number
S - 2615

Introduced on
2021-08-04

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

8/4/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Right to Vote Act

This bill addresses the right to vote in federal elections.

Specifically, the bill declares that every citizen of legal voting age shall have the fundamental right to vote in federal elections.

In addition, the bill prohibits federal, state, and local governments from substantially impairing the ability to vote in federal elections unless the government action furthers an important and particularized governmental interest. Further, the bill specifies that a government may not diminish the ability to vote in federal elections unless the action uses the least restrictive means to achieve such an interest.

A violation of rights created by the bill may be challenged in district court, and a prevailing plaintiff may receive attorney fees. The bill outlines judicial review standards for challenges to voting practices.

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill protecting the right to vote in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact
Civil actions and liability
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Judicial review and appeals
Legal fees and court costs
State and local government operations
Voting rights

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/4/2022

Right to Vote Act

This bill addresses the right to vote in federal elections.

Specifically, the bill declares that every citizen of legal voting age shall have the fundamental right to vote in federal elections.

...

Latest Action8/4/2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.