The State and Local Election Security Act of 2026 establishes a new federal grant program to assist states and local governments in improving election administration and security. Under this program, eligible states receive funding based on their voting age population to modernize election infrastructure and prepare for security threats, with a requirement that states pass at least 50% of the funds to local election officials. The legislation also authorizes $5 billion in total funding over three years and directs $150 million to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to support the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of eligible territories for election funding to include the Northern Mariana Islands and other territories with congressional delegates.
The Hands Off Elections Act of 2026 prohibits federal employees from participating in or directing others to participate in the administration of federal elections, unless they are already authorized by existing laws such as the Help America Vote Act. This restriction applies to all executive agencies except the United States Postal Service, but it explicitly allows federal workers to assist with cybersecurity measures to protect voting systems. If a state law enforcement officer believes a federal employee has violated these rules, they can file a lawsuit in federal court to stop the behavior. The bill aims to separate federal agency staff from election management duties while preserving their ability to safeguard election technology.
This bill, known as the Military VOTE Act, aims to improve how military personnel and overseas citizens can register to vote and receive absentee ballots. It requires states to accept official postcard forms submitted electronically via email or online portals and provides $40 million in grants to help states implement this capability. The legislation also allows voters to request absentee ballots for multiple future elections using a single application and prohibits states from rejecting valid applications submitted early. Additionally, the bill mandates an evaluation of voter registration information accuracy when military members transfer duty stations and directs the Department of Defense to study the feasibility of automatic voter registration for service members.
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The FEC Administrative Improvements Act updates federal election laws to modernize how political committees report and make payments. It requires that filings for electioneering communications be submitted electronically, streamlining the reporting process for these groups. Additionally, the bill permits political committees to make financial disbursements using methods other than traditional checks, such as electronic transfers. These provisions adjust administrative requirements under the Federal Election Campaign Act without changing spending limits or campaign rules.
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The Voter Empowerment Act of 2026 seeks to modernize federal elections by expanding voter access, strengthening election integrity, and enhancing security, directly affecting all eligible voters, states, and election officials. Key provisions include mandating online, automatic, and same-day voter registration, as well as pre-registration for 16 and 17-year-olds, while also setting stricter rules for
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The Voter Empowerment Act of 2026 aims to expand access to voting and modernize voter registration systems across the United States. It requires states to make voter registration available online, implement automatic voter registration through agencies like motor vehicle departments and universities, and allow same-day registration at polling places. The bill also mandates accessible voting options for individuals with disabilities, prohibits voter intimidation and deceptive practices, and restores voting rights to citizens with criminal convictions who have completed their sentences. Additional provisions include requiring paper ballots for verification, extending early voting periods, improving mail-in voting access, and establishing uniform standards for provisional ballot counting.
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The Sustaining Our Democracy Act establishes a federal program providing funding to states for election administration improvements, increased voter access, and protection of election workers. States must submit detailed plans for using funds to upgrade voting equipment, expand early and mail voting options, secure election infrastructure, and address disparities in voting access for underserved communities. The bill prohibits states from using funds for activities that restrict voting access or suppress participation, and creates an Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation to administer the program. Funded through a $2.5 billion Trust Fund for fiscal years 2026-2035, this legislation directly affects all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories receiving federal election funding.
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The Restoring Faith in Elections Act establishes federal standards for mail-in voting, requiring standardized request processes, secure ballot handling, and specific ballot requirements like signature verification and timely submission. It mandates automatic voter registration systems that use government agency data (such as DMVs and social services) to register eligible citizens, with the option to opt out, while including privacy protections for voter information. The bill also creates a National Deconfliction Voting Database to improve voter registration accuracy, requires standardized election administration procedures across jurisdictions, and provides $500 million in funding for implementation. These provisions aim to enhance election integrity, accessibility, and accuracy for all eligible voters in federal elections.
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This bill updates federal election laws to strengthen protections for election records, papers, and equipment, including digital records and voting machines. It requires election officials to preserve all election materials (like ballot records and equipment) for at least 22 months after federal elections, with specific rules for reusing equipment. The bill also creates a new legal pathway allowing candidates or the Attorney General to sue in federal court to enforce compliance with these preservation rules, requiring courts to prioritize such cases. These changes directly affect election administrators, voting equipment vendors, and candidates seeking to challenge election record handling. The provisions aim to clarify and expand existing safeguards for election integrity without specifying outcomes.
HR 4866, the "No Foreign Election Partnership Act," prohibits federal election agencies - including the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and Election Assistance Commission (EAC) - from entering agreements with international organizations that involve data sharing or allow those organizations an advisory role in U.S. federal elections. The bill defines "election agency" as entities administering federal elections and takes effect immediately upon enactment. It does not create new policies but restricts specific types of international collaboration involving election data or advisory input. This is a procedural measure focused on limiting foreign involvement in U.S. election administration processes.
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