US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB4317

Introduced
6/23/23  

Caption

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require States to submit a report to the Election Assistance Commission that includes information with respect to the voter list maintenance activities of the State, and for other purposes.

Impact

The enactment of HB 4317 is expected to significantly influence how states manage their voter registration systems. By instituting consistent reporting requirements, the bill encourages states to maintain accurate voter lists, potentially reducing the incidence of voter fraud and errors in registration. However, states will also need to allocate resources to comply with these new reporting standards, which may vary depending on their existing infrastructure and practices. This could lead to an increased administrative burden or the need for technological upgrades.

Summary

House Bill 4317 aims to strengthen voter registration processes by amending the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The bill mandates that states submit periodic reports to the Election Assistance Commission regarding their voter list maintenance activities. Specifically, states are required to detail the number of inactive registrants, those who voted in previous elections, and registrants removed from official voter lists. This information is designed to help in monitoring and enhancing the integrity of the electoral process, aiming for a more accurate and reliable voter registration system.

Contention

There are some concerns regarding the implications of HB 4317. Critics argue that stringent maintenance of voter lists could inadvertently disenfranchise eligible voters, especially those who may be inactive for legitimate reasons. Proponents of the bill counter that the intended goal is to enhance election security and maintain the integrity of the voting process. Ultimately, the debate centers on striking a balance between ensuring that voter lists are accurate and preventing unjust barriers to voting for citizens.

Notable_points

The bill's requirement for states to report on their inactive registrants and the timeframe for which they have been inactive highlights a new level of transparency and accountability in election administration. If implemented properly, this could lead to broader discussions on voter rights and the administrative aspects of conducting elections while reinforcing the importance of maintaining an accurate electoral roll.

Companion Bills

US HB4494

Related Ensuring Faith in Our Elections Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act

US HB4563

Related ACE Act End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Don't Weaponize the IRS Act American Confidence in Elections Act

Previously Filed As

US HR0196

A resolution to demand that the Michigan Secretary of State comply with the United States Department of Justice’s request for an unredacted copy of Michigan’s computerized statewide voter registration list, as required by section 303 of the Civil Rights Act of 1960 and section 8(i)(1) of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, to the full extent permitted by law.

US HB156

Restoring Faith in Elections Act This bill establishes certain standards for voting, including voting by mail, in federal elections. It also establishes certain requirements for voter registration and maintenance of official lists of eligible voters. First, the bill establishes certain requirements for voting by mail in federal elections, including by requiring mail-in ballots to be received by the time the polls close on election day. Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful to possess or return a mail-in ballot completed by another person (commonly referred to as ballot harvesting), with exceptions. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to one year, or both. Further, the bill establishes certain requirements for reporting results of federal elections, including by requiring states to count all eligible ballots within 24 hours after the election. Next, the bill provides for the automatic registration of eligible voters. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to implement these automatic voter registration programs. It also requires states and jurisdictions to use standards that apply equally to all methods of voting used in federal elections, including standards related to signature verification. Finally, the bill establishes the National Deconfliction Voting Database and Clearinghouse to serve as a database and clearinghouse for voter registration records and lists of eligible voters. Additionally, each state must certify that it has removed ineligible voters from the official list of eligible voters prior to the federal election.

US HB2276

Voter registration; list maintenance activities, cancellation procedures, required record matches.

US HB160

Restoring Faith in Elections ActThis bill establishes certain standards for voting, including voting by mail, in federal elections. It also establishes certain requirements for voter registration and maintenance of official lists of eligible voters.First, the bill establishes certain requirements for voting by mail in federal elections, including by requiring mail-in ballots to be received by the time the polls close on election day.Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful to possess or return a mail-in ballot completed by another person (commonly referred to as ballot harvesting), with exceptions. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to one year, or both.Further, the bill establishes certain requirements for reporting results of federal elections, including by requiring states to count all eligible ballots within 24 hours after the election.Next, the bill provides for the automatic registration of eligible voters. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to implement these automatic voter registration programs.It also requires states and jurisdictions to use standards that apply equally to all methods of voting used in federal elections, including standards related to signature verification.Finally, the bill establishes the National Deconfliction Voting Database and Clearinghouse to serve as a database and clearinghouse for voter registration records and lists of eligible voters. Additionally, each state must certify that it has removed ineligible voters from the official list of eligible voters prior to the federal election.

US HB972

Voter registration; list maintenance activities, cancellation procedures, required record matches.

US HB55

This bill repeals the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The act established certain voter registration requirements for federal elections, such as the requirement for states to allow individuals to register to vote when they apply for a driver's license.

US HB83

This bill repeals the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The act established certain voter registration requirements for federal elections, such as the requirement for states to allow individuals to register to vote when they apply for a driver's license.

US HB2395

Voter registration; exchange of registered voter lists with other states.

US SB1451

Voter registration; requiring certain information to be included on voter registration applications. Emergency.

US HB2503

Relating to maintenance of the statewide voter registration list.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.