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Restoring Faith in Elections Act
12/15/2023, 3:53 PM
Summary of Bill HR 156
The Restoring Faith in Elections Act includes several key provisions aimed at achieving this goal. One of the main components of the bill is the establishment of new guidelines and standards for election security. This includes measures to enhance the security of voting machines, ensure the accuracy of voter registration lists, and protect against cyber threats to the electoral system.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to increase transparency in the election process. This includes requirements for states to provide more information to voters about the voting process, as well as measures to ensure that election officials are held accountable for any misconduct or violations of election laws. The Restoring Faith in Elections Act also includes provisions to improve access to voting for all eligible citizens. This includes measures to expand early voting opportunities, make it easier for individuals to register to vote, and ensure that polling places are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Overall, the Restoring Faith in Elections Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at addressing concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and restoring trust in the American voting system. If passed, this bill has the potential to make significant improvements to the way elections are conducted in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 156
Restoring Faith in Elections Act
This bill establishes certain standards for voting, including voting by mail, in federal elections. It also establishes certain requirements for voter registration and maintenance of official lists of eligible voters.
First, the bill establishes certain requirements for voting by mail in federal elections, including by requiring mail-in ballots to be received by the time the polls close on election day.
Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful to possess or return a mail-in ballot completed by another person (commonly referred to as ballot harvesting), with exceptions. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to one year, or both.
Further, the bill establishes certain requirements for reporting results of federal elections, including by requiring states to count all eligible ballots within 24 hours after the election.
Next, the bill provides for the automatic registration of eligible voters. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to implement these automatic voter registration programs.
It also requires states and jurisdictions to use standards that apply equally to all methods of voting used in federal elections, including standards related to signature verification.
Finally, the bill establishes the National Deconfliction Voting Database and Clearinghouse to serve as a database and clearinghouse for voter registration records and lists of eligible voters. Additionally, each state must certify that it has removed ineligible voters from the official list of eligible voters prior to the federal election.
