The Sustaining Our Democracy Act creates a new federal program that gives money to states to improve how elections work. Starting in 2026, each state will receive funding based on how many congressional districts it has, with the goal of making voting easier and more secure.

States can use this money for several purposes: upgrading voting machines and registration systems, training and protecting election workers, making voting more accessible to people with disabilities and minority communities, and improving cybersecurity for election infrastructure. States can also expand early voting and mail-in voting options, and add more polling places. Each state has to submit a plan explaining how it will spend the money, and the plans must be developed with input from both major political parties in the state legislature.

The bill creates a new federal office called the Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation to oversee the program and make sure states follow the rules. States cannot use the money for activities that discourage voting, intimidate voters or election workers, or suppress voter participation. The bill sets aside $2.5 billion per year for ten years (2026-2035) to fund this program, and creates a complaint process so people can report if states misuse the money. If states don't follow the rules, the federal government can take legal action to enforce them.