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US S331

US S331
Military and Overseas Voters' Relief Act


summary

Introduced
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

112th Congress

Bill Summary

Military and Overseas Voters' Relief Act - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (the Act) to allow any person aggrieved by a violation of voting rights under the Act to bring a civil action for necessary declaratory or injunctive relief. (Under current law, only the Attorney General may bring such an action.) Allows for the award of reasonable attorney's fees for the prevailing party. Requires a report from the Attorney General in each year in which a general election for federal office is scheduled on the number of attorneys and other staff within the Department of Justice (DOJ) assigned to enforce the Act, as well as a plan to detect noncompliance by state and local election officials with requirements of the law.

AI Summary

This bill, titled the Military and Overseas Voters' Relief Act, amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to empower individuals affected by violations of voting rights to file civil lawsuits seeking court orders for correction, whereas previously only the Attorney General could initiate such actions. It also allows for the recovery of reasonable legal costs and attorney fees for the winning party in these lawsuits, and mandates that the Attorney General report annually to Congress on the number of Department of Justice (DOJ) personnel dedicated to enforcing this act and present a plan for identifying when state and local election officials fail to comply with its requirements, particularly in years leading up to federal elections.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (on 02/14/2011)

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