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Early Voting Act
1/30/2024, 8:15 AM
Summary of Bill HR 1295
One of the main components of the Early Voting Act is the requirement for states to offer at least 15 days of early voting for federal elections. This would give voters more flexibility in choosing when and where to vote, potentially increasing voter turnout and participation in the democratic process.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for states to establish early voting locations in a variety of convenient and accessible locations, such as public buildings, community centers, and universities. This would help ensure that all voters, regardless of their location or schedule, have the opportunity to participate in early voting. Furthermore, the Early Voting Act includes measures to protect the integrity of the voting process, such as requiring states to implement safeguards to prevent fraud and ensure the accuracy of early voting results. This would help maintain the trust and confidence of the public in the electoral system. Overall, the Early Voting Act seeks to modernize and improve the voting process in federal elections by expanding access to early voting options. By providing voters with more opportunities to cast their ballots, the bill aims to increase voter participation and strengthen democracy in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 1295
Early Voting Act
This bill expands early in-person voting.
The bill generally requires each state to allow individuals to vote in federal elections during an early voting period of at least 15 days. This requirement does not apply to jurisdictions that send a mail-in ballot to every registered voter.
Further, states and jurisdictions must ensure that polling places are accessible by public transportation, located in rural areas, and located on each branch campus of an institution of higher education.
The Election Assistance Commission must issue certain voluntary standards for early voting, including the nondiscriminatory geographic placement of polling places.
Finally, states and jurisdictions must begin processing and scanning ballots cast during the early voting period at least 14 days prior to election day. However, states and jurisdictions cannot tabulate ballots before the polls close on election day unless the tabulation is necessary and performed in accordance with existing state law.
