# Freedom to Vote Act: Plain Language Summary

The Freedom to Vote Act is a comprehensive federal voting reform bill designed to make it easier for Americans to vote and to establish consistent voting standards across all states. The bill addresses several major voting practices that supporters argue create barriers to participation, while opponents contend it overrides state election authority.

The bill would allow all Americans to register to vote automatically when they interact with government agencies like the DMV, unless they opt out. It would also establish same-day voter registration nationwide, meaning you could register and vote on Election Day itself. The legislation requires states to offer at least 15 days of early voting before elections and allows no-excuse absentee voting, so anyone can request a mail-in ballot without needing to provide a reason. Additionally, the bill would restore voting rights to people with felony convictions after they complete their sentences, though states could still restrict voting during incarceration.

On election administration, the bill sets federal standards for voter ID requirements, allowing various forms of identification and letting people sign affidavits if they lack ID. It also addresses gerrymandering by requiring states to use independent commissions to draw congressional districts rather than allowing politicians to do it themselves. The bill includes provisions to prevent voter purges from being done too close to elections and requires paper ballots or paper backups for electronic voting machines to ensure election security.

The bill is controversial because it represents a significant federal takeover of election rules that have traditionally been controlled by states. Supporters argue these changes protect voting rights and prevent discrimination, while opponents argue it undermines state sovereignty and election security. The bill would affect every American voter and fundamentally reshape how elections are conducted across the country.

Freedom to Vote Act

Klobuchar, Amy

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.