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Expanding the VOTE Act

8/31/2023, 3:00 PM

Summary of Bill HR 8770

Bill 117 HR 8770, also known as the Expanding the VOTE Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of expanding voting rights and access to the ballot box for all eligible voters. The bill seeks to address various issues related to voting, such as voter suppression, gerrymandering, and election security.

One of the key provisions of the Expanding the VOTE Act is the establishment of automatic voter registration, which would ensure that eligible voters are automatically registered to vote when they interact with government agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles. This provision aims to increase voter turnout and make the voter registration process more efficient and accessible.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to expand early voting and voting by mail, making it easier for individuals to cast their ballots in a way that is convenient for them. The Expanding the VOTE Act also seeks to address gerrymandering by requiring states to establish independent redistricting commissions to draw congressional district boundaries in a fair and non-partisan manner. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to enhance election security, such as requiring states to use paper ballots and implement post-election audits to ensure the accuracy and integrity of election results. The Expanding the VOTE Act also aims to protect voters from intimidation and harassment at the polls by prohibiting deceptive practices that are intended to suppress voter turnout. Overall, the Expanding the VOTE Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to strengthen democracy by expanding voting rights and access to the ballot box for all eligible voters. It addresses various issues related to voting and election security, with the goal of ensuring that every voice is heard in the democratic process.

Congressional Summary of HR 8770

Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act or the Expanding the VOTE Act

This bill expands access to voting materials for individuals with limited proficiency in the English language, including by establishing incentive grants for states and political subdivisions to provide translated voting materials. Additionally, the bill directs the Government Accountability Office to study the impact of (1) reducing the threshold requirement under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and (2) expanding the definition of language minorities to include native speakers of additional languages.

Current Status of Bill HR 8770

Bill HR 8770 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since September 2, 2022. Bill HR 8770 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on September 2, 2022.  Bill HR 8770's most recent activity was Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 474. as of December 21, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 8770

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
308
Democrat Cosponsors
308
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 8770

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact Areas

- Alaska Natives and Hawaiians
- Congressional oversight
- Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
- Foreign language and bilingual programs
- Government studies and investigations
- State and local government operations
- Voting rights

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 8770

Expanding the VOTE Act
Expanding the VOTE Act
Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act
Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act
Expanding the VOTE Act
To modify certain notice requirements, to study certain election requirements, to clarify certain election requirements, and for other purposes.

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