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Bill > HR1275


US HR1275

US HR1275
Voter Empowerment Act of 2019


summary

Introduced
02/14/2019
In Committee
03/22/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

116th Congress

Bill Summary

To modernize voter registration, promote access to voting for individuals with disabilities, protect the ability of individuals to exercise the right to vote in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes. This bill addresses access to voting, including by requiring states to allow online voter registration, establish automatic voter registration, permit same day voter registration, and accept voter registration applications from individuals under age 18; prohibiting interference with voter registration or voting; requiring paper ballots and manual counting for recounts and audits; requiring states to allow early voting and voting by mail without additional conditions; making grants to states for poll worker recruitment and training; prohibiting certain political activities by a state's chief state election administration official; making grants for conducting risk-limiting audits of the results of elections; and permanently reauthorizing the Election Assistance Commission.

AI Summary

This bill: - Modernizes voter registration by requiring states to allow online voter registration, establish automatic voter registration, permit same day voter registration, and accept voter registration applications from individuals under 18 years of age. - Promotes access to voting for individuals with disabilities by requiring states to allow individuals with disabilities to vote by absentee ballot, establish procedures for individuals with disabilities to request voter registration and absentee ballot applications electronically, and transmit blank absentee ballots to individuals with disabilities electronically. - Prohibits voter caging and other questionable challenges to voter eligibility, as well as deceptive practices and voter intimidation in federal elections. - Restores the voting rights of citizens who have been convicted of criminal offenses, and requires notification of the restoration of voting rights. - Requires the use of voter-verified paper ballots that can be manually counted in all federal elections, and establishes requirements for the durability and readability of such ballots. - Provides grants to states to conduct risk-limiting audits of election results. - Makes various other changes to election administration, including establishing an election day holiday, requiring the Postal Service to carry absentee ballots free of postage, and creating voter information hotlines and response systems. The bill is aimed at modernizing and securing the electoral process, promoting voter access and participation, and enhancing the integrity of federal elections.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs, Justice

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (on 03/22/2019)

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