0
0

Fair Representation Act

12/30/2022, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3863

The Fair Representation Act, also known as Bill 117 HR 3863, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. The purpose of this bill is to reform the way congressional elections are conducted in order to promote fair representation and increase voter choice.

One of the key provisions of the Fair Representation Act is the implementation of ranked choice voting for all congressional elections. This means that instead of simply choosing one candidate, voters would rank their preferences in order of preference. This system aims to ensure that candidates are elected with the support of a majority of voters, rather than just a plurality.

Another important aspect of the Fair Representation Act is the implementation of multi-member districts for House of Representatives elections. Currently, most House districts are single-member districts, meaning that only one representative is elected from each district. Under this bill, some districts would be combined into larger multi-member districts, where multiple representatives would be elected. This is intended to ensure that a wider range of voices and perspectives are represented in Congress. Overall, the Fair Representation Act seeks to address issues of gerrymandering, polarization, and lack of representation in the US Congress. By implementing ranked choice voting and multi-member districts, the bill aims to create a more fair and inclusive electoral system that better reflects the diversity of the American electorate.

Congressional Summary of HR 3863

Fair Representation Act

This bill sets forth provisions related to ranked choice voting (a system in which voters rank candidates in order of preference) and congressional redistricting.

Specifically, the bill requires (1) that ranked choice voting be used for all elections for Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, (2) that states entitled to six or more Representatives establish districts such that three to five Representatives are elected from each district, and (3) that states entitled to fewer than six Representatives elect all Representatives on an at-large basis.

The bill also requires that congressional redistricting be conducted in accordance with a plan developed by (1) a state-established independent commission; or (2) if such a commission fails to enact a plan, a three-judge panel from a U.S. District Court.

Further, the bill directs the Election Assistance Commission to make payments to states to implement ranked choice voting and carry out congressional redistricting.

Current Status of Bill HR 3863

Bill HR 3863 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 14, 2021. Bill HR 3863 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 14, 2021.  Bill HR 3863's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. as of November 1, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3863

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
16
Democrat Cosponsors
16
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3863

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3863

Fair Representation Act
To establish the use of ranked choice voting in elections for Senators and Representatives in Congress, to require each State with more than one Representative to establish multi-member congressional districts, to require States to conduct congressional redistricting through independent commissions, and for other purposes.
Fair Representation Act

Comments

Latest Bills

An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
Bill S 4784June 24, 2026
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Bill HCONRES 86June 24, 2026
A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide relief for members of the uniformed services who homeschool their dependent children, and for other purposes.
Bill S 4783June 24, 2026
A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to consider certain acreage not planted due to a lack of irrigation water to be eligible for prevented planting payments, and for other purposes.
Bill S 4862June 24, 2026
A bill to require explicit Congressional approval for troops or armed men at polling places for the only exception in the United States Code, and for other purposes.
Bill S 4845June 24, 2026
A bill to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reauthorize the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, and for other purposes.
Bill S 4870June 24, 2026
A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to improve assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers, and for other purposes.
Bill S 4848June 24, 2026
A bill to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 by limiting nonmilitary foreign assistance to organizations that provide or promote abortion, promote gender ideology, or promote discriminatory equity ideology, and for other purposes.
Bill S 4873June 24, 2026
A bill to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to expand investment in farmers' markets and farmers' market nutrition programs to strengthen communities and improve access to healthy food, and for other purposes.
Bill S 4866June 24, 2026
A bill to amend chapter 15 of title 28, United States Code, with respect to documentation requirements for a meeting of certain conferences and councils.
Bill S 4857June 24, 2026
Coretta Scott King Mid-Decade Redistricting Prohibition Act of 2021
Bill HR 134January 11, 2023