Plain Language Summary
# RACE Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The RACE Act (Restoring American Confidence in Elections Act) would require states to complete ballot counting by 10 p.m. on election day and certify final election results within 48 hours. Currently, states have varying timelines for counting ballots and certifying results, with some taking weeks. This bill would standardize and accelerate these processes across all states for federal elections. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects state election officials and voters in federal elections (those for Congress and the presidency).
It includes exceptions for genuine emergencies like natural disasters or equipment malfunctions, giving states some flexibility. The bill essentially compresses the post-election period from the current variable timeline down to roughly two days for official certification. **Current Status** HR 529 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative August Pfluger (R-TX).
CRS Official Summary
Restoring American Confidence in Elections Act or the RACE ActThis bill establishes deadlines for states to count ballots and certify results in federal elections. Specifically, the bill requires a state to finish counting the ballots cast in a federal election held in the state not later than 10:00 p.m. on the date of the election. Further, the state must certify the election results not later than 48 hours after the election. The bill provides exceptions to these deadlines for bona fide emergencies (e.g., major disasters) or technical difficulties (e.g., malfunctioning election equipment or software).
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.