Freedom to Vote Act

3/13/2024, 6:58 AM

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.

The Freedom to Vote Act, also known as Bill 118 s 2344, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of protecting and expanding voting rights for all Americans. The bill includes a number of provisions designed to make it easier for eligible citizens to register to vote, cast their ballots, and have their voices heard in the democratic process.

Some key provisions of the Freedom to Vote Act include:

1. Automatic voter registration: The bill 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: The bill 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. Expanded early voting: The bill would require states to offer at least 15 days of early voting for federal elections, giving voters more opportunities to cast their ballots at their convenience. 4. Voting rights protections: The bill includes provisions to protect against voter suppression tactics, such as strict voter ID laws and voter purges, that disproportionately impact minority and marginalized communities. 5. Election security measures: The bill includes provisions to enhance election security, such as requiring paper ballots and implementing cybersecurity measures to protect against hacking and interference. Overall, the Freedom to Vote Act aims to ensure that all eligible Americans have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard in elections. The bill has garnered support from a number of lawmakers and voting rights advocates who believe that these provisions are necessary to protect and strengthen democracy in the United States.
Congress
118

Number
S - 2344

Introduced on
2023-07-18

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

7/18/2023

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

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.

The Freedom to Vote Act, also known as Bill 118 s 2344, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of protecting and expanding voting rights for all Americans. The bill includes a number of provisions designed to make it easier for eligible citizens to register to vote, cast their ballots, and have their voices heard in the democratic process.

Some key provisions of the Freedom to Vote Act include:

1. Automatic voter registration: The bill 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: The bill 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. Expanded early voting: The bill would require states to offer at least 15 days of early voting for federal elections, giving voters more opportunities to cast their ballots at their convenience. 4. Voting rights protections: The bill includes provisions to protect against voter suppression tactics, such as strict voter ID laws and voter purges, that disproportionately impact minority and marginalized communities. 5. Election security measures: The bill includes provisions to enhance election security, such as requiring paper ballots and implementing cybersecurity measures to protect against hacking and interference. Overall, the Freedom to Vote Act aims to ensure that all eligible Americans have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard in elections. The bill has garnered support from a number of lawmakers and voting rights advocates who believe that these provisions are necessary to protect and strengthen democracy in the United States.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to expand Americans' access to the ballot box and reduce the influence of big money in politics, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact
Accounting and auditing
Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Adult day care
Aging
Assault and harassment offenses
Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies
Buy American requirements
Child care and development
Citizenship and naturalization
Civil actions and liability
Commemorative events and holidays
Computer security and identity theft
Computers and information technology
Congressional districts and representation
Congressional elections
Congressional oversight
Constitution and constitutional amendments
Consumer credit
Corporate finance and management
Correctional facilities and imprisonment
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Criminal justice information and records
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Department of the Treasury
Digital media
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Disability and health-based discrimination
Disability and paralysis
Disability assistance
Domestic violence and child abuse
Due process and equal protection
Election Assistance Commission
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Employment and training programs
Executive agency funding and structure
Family relationships
Federal Election Commission (FEC)
Federal district courts
Food industry and services
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government information and archives
Government lending and loan guarantees
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Guam
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
House of Representatives
Housing and community development funding
Housing finance and home ownership
Intergovernmental relations
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Internet, web applications, social media
Judges
Judicial procedure and administration
Judicial review and appeals
Jurisdiction and venue
Labor-management relations
Landlord and tenant
Law enforcement administration and funding
Lawyers and legal services
Legal fees and court costs
Licensing and registrations
Low- and moderate-income housing
Manufacturing
Members of Congress
Military personnel and dependents
News media and reporting
Northern Mariana Islands
Political advertising
Political parties and affiliation
Political representation
Postal service
Public contracts and procurement
Public housing
Public participation and lobbying
Racial and ethnic relations
Right of privacy
Rural conditions and development
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
State and local government operations
Subversive activities
Supreme Court
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
Tax-exempt organizations
Telephone and wireless communication
U.S. Sentencing Commission
U.S. and foreign investments
U.S. territories and protectorates
User charges and fees
Virgin Islands
Voting rights

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary11/29/2023

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 ...


Latest Action7/18/2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.