H.R.723 - Protect American Election Administration Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 723, the "Protect American Election Administration Act of 2025," aims to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The bill seeks to prohibit states from receiving or using funds or certain donations from private entities for the administration of federal elections. This includes programs related to voter education, outreach, and registration, with a specific exception for donations of space for polling places or early voting sites.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 723 would change how states fund and administer federal elections. States would need to find alternative funding sources for election administration if they currently rely on private donations. This could lead to changes in voter outreach and education programs, potentially affecting voter turnout and access to voting.
Potential Benefits
- Increased public trust in elections by removing private influence.
- Greater consistency in election administration across states.
- Reduced potential for partisan bias in election funding.
- Ensures that all states are equally resourced through public funding mechanisms.
- Strengthens the perception of election integrity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential reduction in funding for voter education and outreach programs.
- Increased burden on state governments to fund elections.
- Possible decrease in voter turnout due to reduced outreach efforts.
- May hinder innovation in election administration that could be supported by private funds.
- Could lead to unequal access to resources depending on state budgets.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While Article I, Section 4 grants states the power to prescribe the times, places, and manner of holding elections, Congress has the power to alter such regulations. The bill does not directly infringe on individual rights outlined in the Bill of Rights, but its impact on voter access could raise concerns under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment if it leads to significant disparities in voting opportunities.
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).