Supplying Wait-time Information to Facilitate Timely Voting with Operational and Technology Enhancements Act; SWIFT VOTE Act
Summary
The SWIFT VOTE Act aims to improve the voting process by providing grants to states for procuring and maintaining electronic pollbooks (e-pollbooks) and developing the capability to collect and disseminate wait time information at polling places. The goal is to reduce wait times and enhance the efficiency of elections for Federal office. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) would administer the grants, prioritizing jurisdictions with demonstrated need and those developing wait time reporting capabilities.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this act would lead to more states adopting e-pollbooks and publicly reporting wait times at polling places. This could result in shorter wait times for voters and increased transparency in the voting process. The act also mandates training programs for election officials on using e-pollbooks, including methods to assist voters with limited English proficiency and disabilities.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced wait times at polling places, making voting more accessible.
- Increased transparency through the publication of wait time information.
- Modernization of election infrastructure with the adoption of e-pollbooks.
- Improved training for election officials to better serve diverse voter populations.
- Better data collection and reporting on election-related wait times.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with implementing and maintaining e-pollbooks.
- Risk of technological failures or security breaches related to e-pollbooks.
- Uneven implementation across states due to varying levels of technological readiness.
- Possible resistance from voters or election officials unfamiliar with e-pollbooks.
- The reliance on self-reported wait times may not always be accurate.
Constitutional Alignment
The SWIFT VOTE Act aligns with the spirit of the Constitution by promoting fair and accessible elections. While the Constitution does not explicitly address the use of technology in elections, Article I, Section 4 grants Congress the power to regulate the "Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives." This act falls under that purview by aiming to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the voting process.
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).