Let America Vote Act
Let America Vote Act
Plain Language Summary
# Let America Vote Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Let America Vote Act would require all states to allow unaffiliated (independent) voters to participate in primary elections for federal offices like Congress and the presidency. Currently, many states restrict primaries to registered party members only. The bill also prevents states from sharing unaffiliated voter information with political parties for fundraising or political purposes, and prohibits treating independents as party members on official voter rolls. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This legislation would impact millions of independent voters and state election administrators. States that allow noncitizens to vote in any elections would lose federal election funding.
To access federal election administration funds, states would need to certify they comply with the new primary voting requirements. The bill also prevents states from allowing unaffiliated voters to vote in more than one party's primary. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Let America Vote ActThis bill requires states to allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections for federal office. It also restricts certain federal election funding for states that allow noncitizens to vote in state or local elections.Specifically, each state must permit an unaffiliated voter who is registered to vote in a federal election held in the state to vote in any primary election for federal office. A state shall not permit an unaffiliated voter to vote in primary elections for more than one political party.The bill prohibits a state from (1) sharing unaffiliated voter information with a political party or any other person who may reasonably be expected to use the information for political purposes, including soliciting funds; or (2) treating an unaffiliated voter as a member of a political party for purposes of the state's official voter registration list.States must, in order to use federal election administration funds, certify their compliance with these unaffiliated voter requirements. Upon certification, the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must make five-year grants to the state for the costs of permitting unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections.The bill specifically prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections. (Current federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections.)A state may not use federal election administration funds unless the state certifies to the EAC that it does not permit a noncitizen to vote in state or local elections or vote on any ballot initiative or referendum held in the state.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.