H.R.160 - Restoring Faith in Elections Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.160, the Restoring Faith in Elections Act, aims to standardize and secure federal elections by establishing consistent standards for voter registration and voting procedures. The bill addresses mail-in ballots, automatic voter registration, election administration, and voter list accuracy. It seeks to enhance election integrity and accessibility while modernizing voter registration processes.
Expected Effects
The Act would introduce federal standards for mail-in ballots, including requirements for requests, deadlines, and ballot verification. It would also implement automatic voter registration through various federal and state agencies, aiming to increase voter participation. Furthermore, the bill establishes a national database to deconflict voter registration lists and requires standardized election administration procedures across states.
Potential Benefits
- Increased voter registration through automatic systems.
- Enhanced security measures for mail-in ballots.
- Standardized election procedures across states.
- Improved accuracy of voter registration lists.
- Greater accessibility to voting for eligible citizens.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased federal oversight of state elections, which could be seen as an infringement on states' rights.
- Possible administrative burdens and costs associated with implementing new systems and databases.
- Risk of errors or inaccuracies in automatic voter registration, leading to potential disenfranchisement or legal challenges.
- Concerns about data privacy and security with the collection and sharing of voter information.
- Potential for partisan disputes over the interpretation and implementation of the Act's provisions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's provisions related to voter registration and election administration fall under the purview of Congress's power to regulate federal elections, as outlined in Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution. However, some aspects, such as the standardization of election procedures, could raise concerns about federal overreach into areas traditionally managed by the states. The First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech and association is relevant to voter registration and participation, and the bill attempts to balance these rights with measures to ensure election integrity.
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).