Expanding Access to Early Voting Act of 2021

Hozzl · 2023-01-11T13:47:00Z

Explore the details of House Bill 640 Expanding Access to Early Voting Act of 2021 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Government Operations and Politics. Stay informed on legislative developments.

1/11/2023, 1:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 640

Bill 117 HR 640, also known as the Expanding Access to Early Voting Act of 2021, aims to increase access to early voting in federal elections. The bill requires states to allow for at least 15 days of early voting for federal elections, including weekends and evenings. This is intended to make it easier for individuals to vote, particularly those who may have difficulty voting on Election Day due to work or other commitments.

The bill also requires states to provide at least one early voting location for every 30,000 residents, in order to ensure that individuals have convenient access to early voting. Additionally, the bill prohibits states from imposing restrictions on early voting that disproportionately impact minority or low-income communities.

Overall, the Expanding Access to Early Voting Act of 2021 seeks to make the voting process more accessible and convenient for all eligible voters, with the goal of increasing voter turnout and ensuring that every voice is heard in federal elections.

Congressional Summary of HR 640

Expanding Access to Early Voting Act of 2021

This bill expands early in-person voting.

Specifically, the bill requires each state to allow individuals to vote in federal elections during an early voting period of at least 15 days.

Further, states must ensure that polling places are accessible by public transportation and located in rural areas.

The Election Assistance Commission must issue certain standards for early voting, including the nondiscriminatory geographic placement of polling places.

Finally, states must begin processing and scanning ballots cast during the early voting period at least 14 days prior to election day. However, states cannot tabulate ballots before the polls close on election day.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 640

Bill HR 640 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 1, 2021. Bill HR 640 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on February 1, 2021. Bill HR 640's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. as of February 1, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 640

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 640

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact Areas

- Administrative law and regulatory procedures

- Congressional elections

- Election Assistance Commission

- Elections, voting, political campaign regulation

- Public transit

- Rural conditions and development

- State and local government operations

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 640

Expanding Access to Early Voting Act of 2021

To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to allow individuals to vote in an election for Federal office during an early voting period which occurs prior to the date of the election, and for other purposes.

Expanding Access to Early Voting Act of 2021