Freedom to Vote Act

3/13/2024, 6:58 AM

Summary of Bill S 2344

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.

Congressional Summary of S 2344

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.

Current Status of Bill S 2344

Bill S 2344 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 18, 2023. Bill S 2344 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on July 18, 2023.  Bill S 2344's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. as of July 18, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2344

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
100
Democrat Cosponsors
94
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
6

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2344

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact Areas

Accounting and auditingAdministrative law and regulatory proceduresAdult day careAgingAssault and harassment offensesBroadcasting, cable, digital technologiesBuy American requirementsChild care and developmentCitizenship and naturalizationCivil actions and liabilityCommemorative events and holidaysComputer security and identity theftComputers and information technologyCongressional districts and representationCongressional electionsCongressional oversightConstitution and constitutional amendmentsConsumer creditCorporate finance and managementCorrectional facilities and imprisonmentCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationCriminal justice information and recordsCriminal procedure and sentencingDepartment of the TreasuryDigital mediaDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadDisability and health-based discriminationDisability and paralysisDisability assistanceDomestic violence and child abuseDue process and equal protectionElection Assistance CommissionElections, voting, political campaign regulationEmployment and training programsExecutive agency funding and structureFamily relationshipsFederal Election Commission (FEC)Federal district courtsFood industry and servicesForeign language and bilingual programsFraud offenses and financial crimesGovernment ethics and transparency, public corruptionGovernment information and archivesGovernment lending and loan guaranteesGovernment studies and investigationsGovernment trust fundsGuamHealth care costs and insuranceHealth care coverage and accessHouse of RepresentativesHousing and community development fundingHousing finance and home ownershipIntergovernmental relationsInternal Revenue Service (IRS)Internet, web applications, social mediaJudgesJudicial procedure and administrationJudicial review and appealsJurisdiction and venueLabor-management relationsLandlord and tenantLaw enforcement administration and fundingLawyers and legal servicesLegal fees and court costsLicensing and registrationsLow- and moderate-income housingManufacturingMembers of CongressMilitary personnel and dependentsNews media and reportingNorthern Mariana IslandsPolitical advertisingPolitical parties and affiliationPolitical representationPostal servicePublic contracts and procurementPublic housingPublic participation and lobbyingRacial and ethnic relationsRight of privacyRural conditions and developmentSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsState and local government operationsSubversive activitiesSupreme CourtTax administration and collection, taxpayersTax-exempt organizationsTelephone and wireless communicationU.S. Sentencing CommissionU.S. and foreign investmentsU.S. territories and protectoratesUser charges and feesVirgin IslandsVoting rights

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2344

Freedom to Vote ActFreedom to Vote ActRight to Vote ActAutomatic Voter Registration Act of 2023Help America Run ActGovernment By the People Act of 2023Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections ActStop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination ActSpotlight ActHonest Ads ActDISCLOSE Act of 2023Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023Voters’ Access to Water ActDeceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023Democracy Restoration Act of 2023Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023Voter Empowerment Act of 2023A bill to expand Americans' access to the ballot box and reduce the influence of big money in politics, and for other purposes.
Start holding our government accountable!

Comments

Latest Bills

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions".
Bill HJRES 35March 29, 2025
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers".
Bill HJRES 75March 29, 2025
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers".
Bill HJRES 24March 29, 2025
No 340B Savings for Transgender Care Act
Bill HR 2197March 29, 2025
Major Richard Star Act
Bill HR 2102March 29, 2025
Ending China’s Unfair Advantage Act of 2025
Bill HR 2115March 29, 2025
IMPACT Act 2.0
Bill HR 2122March 29, 2025
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
Bill HR 2251March 29, 2025
To amend title 14, United States Code, to require the retention of certain enlisted members of the Coast Guard who have completed 18 or more, but less than 20, years of service, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 2200March 29, 2025
Feed Hungry Veterans Act of 2025
Bill HR 2195March 29, 2025
DISCLOSE Act of 2023
Bill S 512December 15, 2023
Honest Ads Act
Bill S 486December 15, 2023
Same Day Registration Act
Bill S 2843March 12, 2024
Save Voters Act
Bill S 2842March 13, 2024
Preventing Election Subversion Act of 2023
Bill S 2575March 13, 2024
Democracy Restoration Act of 2023
Bill S 1677March 6, 2024
Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2023
Bill S 1487March 11, 2024
Freedom to Vote Act
Bill S 1March 12, 2024
Shell Company Abuse Act
Bill HR 988January 18, 2024
Election Day Holiday Act of 2024
Bill HR 7329March 8, 2024
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for the treatment of payments for child care and other personal use services as an authorized campaign expenditure, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 7210February 6, 2024
Election Day Act
Bill HR 6267March 14, 2024
Voters on the Move Registration Act of 2023
Bill HR 5290January 30, 2024
Preventing Election Subversion Act of 2023
Bill HR 5046January 2, 2024