Voter Empowerment Act of 2021
1/11/2023, 1:48 PMSummary of Bill HR 2358
Bill 117 HR 2358, also known as the Voter Empowerment Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of expanding and protecting voting rights for all eligible citizens. The bill seeks to address various issues related to voter registration, access to polling places, and election security.One key provision of the bill is the establishment of automatic voter registration in all states, which would streamline the registration process and ensure that more eligible citizens are able to participate in elections. Additionally, the bill includes measures to expand early voting opportunities and improve access to polling places, particularly in communities that have historically faced barriers to voting.
The Voter Empowerment Act of 2021 also includes provisions aimed at enhancing election security, such as requiring states to use paper ballots and implementing risk-limiting audits to verify election results. These measures are intended to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that every vote is counted accurately. Overall, the bill is designed to strengthen democracy by making it easier for all eligible citizens to exercise their right to vote. By addressing issues such as voter registration, access to polling places, and election security, the Voter Empowerment Act of 2021 aims to empower voters and promote greater participation in the democratic process.
Congressional Summary of HR 2358
Voter Empowerment Act of 2021
This bill expands voter registration and voting access.
Specifically, the bill expands voter registration by requiring states to (1) make available online voter registration, (2) establish automatic voter registration systems, (3) permit same-day voter registration, and (4) accept voter registration applications from individuals under age 18.
Further, the bill limits removing voters from voter rolls and prohibits interference with voter registration or voting.
Next, the bill requires states to allow individuals with disabilities to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in federal elections.
The bill also prohibits voter caging (the practice of sending mail to addresses on voter rolls, compiling a list of the undeliverable mail, and using the list to remove registered voters from voter rolls).
Next, the bill expands voting access by requiring states to allow early voting and voting by mail without additional conditions. It also requires states to provide secured drop boxes at which individuals may drop off their completed absentee ballots.
In addition, the bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any federal election 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.
Finally, the bill permanently reauthorizes the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). It also directs the EAC to make grants to states for specified activities, including to implement automatic voter registration systems.
