Early Voting Act

1/30/2024, 8:15 AM

Early Voting Act

This bill expands early in-person voting.

The bill generally requires each state to allow individuals to vote in federal elections during an early voting period of at least 15 days. This requirement does not apply to jurisdictions that send a mail-in ballot to every registered voter.

Further, states and jurisdictions must ensure that polling places are accessible by public transportation, located in rural areas, and located on each branch campus of an institution of higher education.

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

Finally, states and jurisdictions must begin processing and scanning ballots cast during the early voting period at least 14 days prior to election day. However, states and jurisdictions cannot tabulate ballots before the polls close on election day unless the tabulation is necessary and performed in accordance with existing state law.

Bill 118 HR 1295, also known as the Early Voting Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to expand access to early voting in federal elections. The bill proposes several key provisions to make it easier for eligible voters to cast their ballots before Election Day.

One of the main components of the Early Voting Act is the requirement for states to offer at least 15 days of early voting for federal elections. This would give voters more flexibility in choosing when and where to vote, potentially increasing voter turnout and participation in the democratic process.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for states to establish early voting locations in a variety of convenient and accessible locations, such as public buildings, community centers, and universities. This would help ensure that all voters, regardless of their location or schedule, have the opportunity to participate in early voting. Furthermore, the Early Voting Act includes measures to protect the integrity of the voting process, such as requiring states to implement safeguards to prevent fraud and ensure the accuracy of early voting results. This would help maintain the trust and confidence of the public in the electoral system. Overall, the Early Voting Act seeks to modernize and improve the voting process in federal elections by expanding access to early voting options. By providing voters with more opportunities to cast their ballots, the bill aims to increase voter participation and strengthen democracy in the United States.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 1295

Introduced on
2023-03-01

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

3/1/2023

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

Early Voting Act

This bill expands early in-person voting.

The bill generally requires each state to allow individuals to vote in federal elections during an early voting period of at least 15 days. This requirement does not apply to jurisdictions that send a mail-in ballot to every registered voter.

Further, states and jurisdictions must ensure that polling places are accessible by public transportation, located in rural areas, and located on each branch campus of an institution of higher education.

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

Finally, states and jurisdictions must begin processing and scanning ballots cast during the early voting period at least 14 days prior to election day. However, states and jurisdictions cannot tabulate ballots before the polls close on election day unless the tabulation is necessary and performed in accordance with existing state law.

Bill 118 HR 1295, also known as the Early Voting Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to expand access to early voting in federal elections. The bill proposes several key provisions to make it easier for eligible voters to cast their ballots before Election Day.

One of the main components of the Early Voting Act is the requirement for states to offer at least 15 days of early voting for federal elections. This would give voters more flexibility in choosing when and where to vote, potentially increasing voter turnout and participation in the democratic process.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for states to establish early voting locations in a variety of convenient and accessible locations, such as public buildings, community centers, and universities. This would help ensure that all voters, regardless of their location or schedule, have the opportunity to participate in early voting. Furthermore, the Early Voting Act includes measures to protect the integrity of the voting process, such as requiring states to implement safeguards to prevent fraud and ensure the accuracy of early voting results. This would help maintain the trust and confidence of the public in the electoral system. Overall, the Early Voting Act seeks to modernize and improve the voting process in federal elections by expanding access to early voting options. By providing voters with more opportunities to cast their ballots, the bill aims to increase voter participation and strengthen democracy in the United States.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to allow individuals to vote in an election for Federal office during an early voting period which occurs prior to the date of the election, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary6/13/2023

Early Voting Act

This bill expands early in-person voting.

The bill generally requires each state to allow individuals to vote in federal elections during an early voting period of at least 15 days. This requirement does not ...


Latest Action3/1/2023
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.