Make Elections Great Again Act
Summary
The "Make Elections Great Again Act" (H.R. 7300) proposes significant changes to federal election administration. It introduces stricter voter identification requirements, modifies voter registration processes, and aims to enhance election security measures. The bill also addresses mail-in ballots, ranked-choice voting, and federal agency involvement in election activities.
Key provisions include requiring photo ID for voting, repealing certain voter registration requirements from the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002, and mandating information sharing agreements between states and the Attorney General. The Act also seeks to prohibit ranked-choice voting in federal elections and limit the use of mail-in ballots.
Finally, the bill aims to improve election security by requiring citizenship indication on driver's licenses, notifying state election officials of non-citizens recused from jury service, and mandating reports to Congress on election threats.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the "Make Elections Great Again Act" would likely lead to more stringent voter verification processes and potentially reduced voter turnout, especially among demographics that may have difficulty meeting the new ID requirements. States would face new mandates regarding voter list maintenance and information sharing.
The elimination of universal vote-by-mail and the prohibition of ranked-choice voting would alter the electoral landscape, potentially favoring candidates with strong initial support. Federal agencies would be restricted from engaging in voter registration activities.
These changes could increase the administrative burden on states and local election officials, requiring significant adjustments to existing systems and procedures. The Act's emphasis on election security may enhance public confidence in the integrity of elections, but could also raise concerns about voter suppression.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced election security measures may reduce the risk of fraud and foreign interference.
- Stricter voter ID requirements could increase public confidence in election outcomes.
- More frequent voter list maintenance could lead to more accurate voter rolls.
- Information sharing agreements between states and the Attorney General may help identify and prosecute election-related crimes.
- The emphasis on paper ballots and post-election audits could improve the transparency and verifiability of election results.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Stricter voter ID requirements may disproportionately disenfranchise minority voters, low-income individuals, and the elderly who may lack the required identification.
- Repealing certain provisions of the National Voter Registration Act could make it more difficult for eligible citizens to register to vote.
- Limiting mail-in voting options could reduce voter turnout, especially among those with mobility issues or who live in rural areas.
- Prohibiting ranked-choice voting may limit voter choice and lead to less representative election outcomes.
- Increased administrative burdens on states and local election officials could strain resources and lead to longer wait times at polling places.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
Several provisions of the "Make Elections Great Again Act" raise constitutional concerns. The voter ID requirements and restrictions on mail-in voting could potentially violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment if they disproportionately burden certain groups of voters. These provisions could also be challenged under the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which prohibits age-based voting restrictions for citizens eighteen years or older.
Conversely, proponents may argue that the Act's focus on election integrity aligns with the states' power to regulate elections under Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution. The information sharing agreements with the Attorney General could be seen as promoting the general welfare and ensuring domestic tranquility, as stated in the Preamble.
However, the balance between state authority and individual voting rights remains a central constitutional question. The Act's restrictions on federal agency involvement in voter registration may also raise First Amendment concerns regarding freedom of speech and association.
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).