H.R.529 - Restoring American Confidence in Elections Act; RACE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 529, also known as the Restoring American Confidence in Elections Act (RACE Act), aims to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The bill seeks to establish deadlines for states to count ballots and certify election results for federal offices. It mandates that states finish counting ballots by 10 p.m. on election day and certify results within 48 hours, with exceptions for emergencies or technical difficulties.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of the RACE Act would be to accelerate the timeline for vote counting and certification in federal elections. This could lead to quicker official results and potentially reduce the period of uncertainty following elections. However, it may also place additional strain on state election systems.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Confidence: Faster results could boost public confidence in the integrity of elections.
- Reduced Uncertainty: Shorter waiting periods for official results may decrease post-election anxiety and speculation.
- Standardized Procedures: Establishes uniform deadlines across states, promoting consistency.
- Focus on Efficiency: Could incentivize states to improve their election administration processes.
- Clear Expectations: Sets explicit timelines for vote counting and certification.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Errors: Rushing the process could lead to mistakes in vote counting or certification.
- Strain on Resources: Some states may struggle to meet the deadlines without additional funding or resources.
- Limited Flexibility: The strict deadlines may not be feasible in all circumstances, even with the exceptions.
- Legal Challenges: The law could face legal challenges from states arguing it infringes on their authority to administer elections.
- Disenfranchisement Risk: Could lead to some legitimate ballots not being counted if technical difficulties arise.
Constitutional Alignment
The RACE Act's constitutionality hinges on the balance between federal authority over elections and states' rights to administer them. Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate the "Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives," but this power is not unlimited. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, potentially raising concerns about federal overreach into state election administration. The Act could be viewed as an attempt to ensure timely and accurate elections, which aligns with the overall goals of the Constitution, but its specific mandates could be challenged as infringing on state autonomy.
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).