H.R.738 - Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.738, the "Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025," aims to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002, mandating that all eligible voters in the United States have the option to vote by mail in federal elections. The bill seeks to address inequities in voting rights across states and accommodate voters with various commitments that may hinder their ability to vote in person. It also includes provisions for notifying voters of signature discrepancies or other defects on mail-in ballots and providing them an opportunity to cure these issues.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would standardize mail-in voting procedures for federal elections across all states. This could lead to increased voter participation and reduced waiting times at polling places. The bill also aims to enhance voter access by ensuring that voters are notified and given a chance to correct any issues with their mail-in ballots.
Potential Benefits
- Increased voter participation due to ease of access.
- Reduced waiting times at polling places for those who prefer in-person voting.
- Greater convenience for voters with work, family, or other commitments.
- Standardized voting procedures across states for federal elections.
- Enhanced voter access through notification and correction of ballot discrepancies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on election officials.
- Concerns about voter fraud, although the bill asserts no evidence suggests mail-in voting is more prone to fraud.
- Possible challenges in verifying voter identities and signatures.
- Risk of delayed election results due to the extended mail-in voting process.
- Potential for disputes over ballot validity and counting procedures.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Article I, Section 4 grants states the power to prescribe the "Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives," but also gives Congress the power to "make or alter such Regulations." The bill attempts to standardize certain aspects of federal elections, potentially raising questions about the balance of power between the federal government and the states in election administration. The bill could be argued to promote the right to vote, though that right is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, but is protected by various amendments.
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).