H.R.1467 - Protecting Our Local Elections Act; POLE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1467, the Protecting Our Local Elections Act (POLE Act), aims to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002. It seeks to prohibit federal funds from being used for election administration in states that do not allow local governments to hold elections in odd-numbered years. The bill argues that odd-numbered year elections provide greater focus on local candidates and issues.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the POLE Act would incentivize states to change their election laws to allow for local elections in odd-numbered years by withholding federal funding. States that do not comply could face a loss of federal funds allocated for election administration. This could lead to a shift in the timing of local elections across the country.
Potential Benefits
- Increased focus on local candidates and issues during elections.
- Voters may be better informed about local representation.
- Potentially improved local governance due to increased attention on local matters.
- Could lead to greater community engagement in local elections.
- May reduce ballot overcrowding during even-numbered year elections.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- States may resist the federal mandate, leading to legal challenges.
- Potential loss of federal funding for states that choose not to comply.
- Increased administrative burden and costs for local governments to hold separate elections.
- Voter turnout in odd-numbered years may be lower than in even-numbered years.
- The bill could be seen as federal overreach into state election matters.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is debatable. Congress has the power to regulate federal funding and set conditions for its use, potentially aligning with the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8). However, states traditionally have broad authority over their election administration, raising concerns about federal intrusion into state affairs, potentially conflicting with the Tenth Amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).