Let America Vote Act

1/31/2025, 6:05 PM

Let America Vote Act

This bill requires states to allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections for federal office. It also restricts certain federal election funding for states that allow noncitizens to vote in state or local elections.

Specifically, each state must permit an unaffiliated voter who is registered to vote in a federal election held in the state to vote in any primary election for federal office. A state shall not permit an unaffiliated voter to vote in primary elections for more than one political party.

The bill prohibits a state from (1) sharing unaffiliated voter information with a political party or any other person who may reasonably be expected to use the information for political purposes, including soliciting funds; or (2) treating an unaffiliated voter as a member of a political party for purposes of the state's official voter registration list.

States must, in order to use federal election administration funds, certify their compliance with these unaffiliated voter requirements. Upon certification, the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must make five-year grants to the state for the costs of permitting unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections.

The bill specifically prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections. (Current federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections.)

A state may not use federal election administration funds unless the state certifies to the EAC that it does not permit a noncitizen to vote in state or local elections or vote on any ballot initiative or referendum held in the state.

Bill 119 HR 155, also known as the "Open Primaries Act," aims to require states to allow unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections for federal offices. Currently, many states have closed primary systems, where only registered members of a political party can vote in that party's primary. This bill seeks to expand access to the primary process by allowing unaffiliated voters, who do not belong to any political party, to also participate.

The bill does not mandate that states switch to open primary systems, but rather requires states to permit unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections for federal offices if they choose to keep closed primaries. This would give unaffiliated voters the opportunity to have a say in selecting candidates for federal offices, such as the President, Senators, and Representatives.

Proponents of the bill argue that allowing unaffiliated voters to participate in primaries promotes inclusivity and increases voter engagement. They believe that all eligible voters should have the opportunity to participate in the primary process, regardless of their party affiliation. Opponents of the bill may argue that it infringes on states' rights to determine their own election processes. They may also raise concerns about potential logistical challenges and increased costs associated with implementing this change. Overall, Bill 119 HR 155 seeks to expand access to the primary election process for unaffiliated voters and promote greater participation in the democratic process.
Congress
119
Number
HR - 155
Introduced on
2025-01-03
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/3/2025
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

Let America Vote Act

This bill requires states to allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections for federal office. It also restricts certain federal election funding for states that allow noncitizens to vote in state or local elections.

Specifically, each state must permit an unaffiliated voter who is registered to vote in a federal election held in the state to vote in any primary election for federal office. A state shall not permit an unaffiliated voter to vote in primary elections for more than one political party.

The bill prohibits a state from (1) sharing unaffiliated voter information with a political party or any other person who may reasonably be expected to use the information for political purposes, including soliciting funds; or (2) treating an unaffiliated voter as a member of a political party for purposes of the state's official voter registration list.

States must, in order to use federal election administration funds, certify their compliance with these unaffiliated voter requirements. Upon certification, the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must make five-year grants to the state for the costs of permitting unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections.

The bill specifically prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections. (Current federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections.)

A state may not use federal election administration funds unless the state certifies to the EAC that it does not permit a noncitizen to vote in state or local elections or vote on any ballot initiative or referendum held in the state.

Bill 119 HR 155, also known as the "Open Primaries Act," aims to require states to allow unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections for federal offices. Currently, many states have closed primary systems, where only registered members of a political party can vote in that party's primary. This bill seeks to expand access to the primary process by allowing unaffiliated voters, who do not belong to any political party, to also participate.

The bill does not mandate that states switch to open primary systems, but rather requires states to permit unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections for federal offices if they choose to keep closed primaries. This would give unaffiliated voters the opportunity to have a say in selecting candidates for federal offices, such as the President, Senators, and Representatives.

Proponents of the bill argue that allowing unaffiliated voters to participate in primaries promotes inclusivity and increases voter engagement. They believe that all eligible voters should have the opportunity to participate in the primary process, regardless of their party affiliation. Opponents of the bill may argue that it infringes on states' rights to determine their own election processes. They may also raise concerns about potential logistical challenges and increased costs associated with implementing this change. Overall, Bill 119 HR 155 seeks to expand access to the primary election process for unaffiliated voters and promote greater participation in the democratic process.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo require States to permit unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections for Federal office, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics

Comments

Related

Committee:  
House Administration
Committee:  
Judiciary

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/21/2025

Let America Vote Act

This bill requires states to allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections for federal office. It also restricts certain federal election funding for states that allow noncitizens to vote in sta...

Latest Action1/3/2025
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the ...