___ Act
Summary
H.R. 6936, also known as the "___ Act", aims to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by requiring individuals to provide government-issued photo identification and proof of United States citizenship to vote in Federal elections. The bill outlines acceptable forms of identification and citizenship proof, including passports, birth certificates, and naturalization certificates. It also introduces criminal penalties for providing assistance to non-citizens attempting to vote and for election officials who fail to enforce the identification requirements.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to add new requirements for voter eligibility in federal elections. Individuals would need to present specific documentation to cast a ballot, potentially impacting voter turnout. Provisional ballots would be available for those who do not meet the requirements, but their votes would only be counted if citizenship is verified.
Potential Benefits
- May enhance the integrity of federal elections by reducing the potential for non-citizen voting.
- Could increase public confidence in the electoral process.
- Standardizes voter identification requirements across states for federal elections.
- Clarifies acceptable forms of identification and proof of citizenship.
- Provides a mechanism for provisional ballots to accommodate those who lack immediate access to required documentation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could disproportionately disenfranchise eligible voters who lack the required identification, such as elderly, low-income, or minority citizens.
- May create additional administrative burdens and costs for state and local election officials.
- Could lead to longer lines at polling places due to increased verification processes.
- May face legal challenges based on claims of voter suppression or discrimination.
- Could reduce voter turnout, particularly among marginalized communities.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is debatable. Proponents might argue it aligns with Article I, Section 4, which grants Congress the power to regulate federal elections. However, opponents could argue that it violates the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause and the Fifteenth Amendment, which prohibits denying or abridging the right to vote based on race or previous condition of servitude. The Supreme Court has addressed voter ID laws, and the specific details of this bill would likely be subject to judicial review to determine if it places an undue burden on the right to vote.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).