America Votes Act of 2021

1/11/2023, 1:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1059

The America Votes Act of 2021, also known as Bill 117 hr 1059, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to expand and protect voting rights for all Americans.

Some key provisions of the America Votes Act include:

1. Automatic voter registration: This provision 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: This provision 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. Early voting: The bill would require states to offer at least 15 days of early voting for federal elections, giving voters more flexibility in when and where they can cast their ballots. 4. Voting rights restoration: The America Votes Act would restore voting rights to individuals with past felony convictions, ensuring that more Americans have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. 5. Election security measures: The bill includes provisions to enhance election security, such as requiring states to use paper ballots and implement post-election audits to verify the accuracy of election results. Overall, the America Votes Act of 2021 aims to make voting more accessible and secure for all Americans, regardless of their background or circumstances. Supporters of the bill argue that these measures are necessary to strengthen democracy and ensure that every voice is heard in the electoral process.

Congressional Summary of HR 1059

America Votes Act of 2021

This bill permits the use of sworn written statements to meet identification requirements for voting in federal elections.

Specifically, an individual who is required to present identification as a condition of voting in a federal election may meet this requirement by presenting a sworn written statement attesting to the individual's identification and that he or she is registered to vote in the election. An individual who wants to vote by mail may submit such a statement with the ballot.

States with an identification requirement must make copies of a preprinted version of the statement available for individuals to complete.

Additionally, states must provide these individuals with a regular ballot instead of a provisional ballot.

The bill does not apply to first-time voters registering by mail.

Current Status of Bill HR 1059

Bill HR 1059 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 15, 2021. Bill HR 1059 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on February 15, 2021.  Bill HR 1059's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. as of February 15, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1059

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
86
Democrat Cosponsors
86
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1059

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact Areas

Congressional electionsElections, voting, political campaign regulationGovernment information and archivesState and local government operationsVoting rights

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1059

America Votes Act of 2021To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to permit an individual who is subject to a requirement to present identification as a condition of voting in an election for Federal office to meet such requirement by presenting a sworn written statement attesting to the individual's identification, and for other purposes.America Votes Act of 2021
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