# Plain Language Summary: Students Voicing Opinions in Today's Elections (VOTE) Act

This bill creates a pilot program that gives federal funding to local schools so they can teach 12th-grade students how to register to vote. The Election Assistance Commission (a federal agency that oversees voting) would distribute money to school districts that want to run voter registration information programs. The goal is straightforward: help high school seniors learn about voter registration before they graduate and become eligible to vote.

Schools that want this funding would need to apply and explain what they plan to do with the money. They'd also have to work with local election officials in their area to make sure the information they're providing is accurate and helpful. For example, a school might use the funds to bring in a speaker from the election office, create informational materials, or set up registration drives on campus. The program is designed as a test run in fiscal year 2023 to see if this approach works well before potentially expanding it.

After schools complete their voter registration initiatives, they have to report back to the federal government within 90 days explaining what they did and whether it seemed to work. The Election Assistance Commission then takes another 60 days to compile all the school reports and send a final report to Congress. This helps lawmakers understand whether funding schools to teach voter registration is an effective way to get more young people involved in elections. The bill doesn't specify exactly how much money would be available, just that Congress would need to approve whatever amount is necessary to run the program.

Students Voicing Opinions in Today’s Elections (VOTE) Act

Green, Al

Students Voicing Opinions in Today's Elections (VOTE) Act This bill directs the Election Assistance Commission to carry out a pilot program providing funds, during FY2023, to local educational agencies (LEAs) for initiatives that provide 12th graders with voter registration information. LEAs must consult with their state and local election officials in developing the initiatives.