A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Dropbox Access Act. It amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require states to provide secured drop boxes for voted absentee ballots in Federal elections. States must provide these drop boxes in each county starting 45 days before an election until the polls close. The bill sets rules for how many drop boxes a county must have based on the number of registered voters. It also requires the drop boxes to be accessible to individuals with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. Finally, the rules apply starting with the November 2026 general election.
Yes· 3 of 16
- Scored +8
Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice?
The legislation ensures widespread, 24/7 availability of secure drop boxes for a minimum of 45 days before an election.
- Scored +7
Does this protect the right to vote?
The bill expands and protects voting access by requiring states to provide secured absentee ballot drop boxes for federal elections.
- Scored +7
Does this make elections run better?
The legislation standardizes and secures the absentee ballot collection process across all counties for federal elections.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 305(a) requires each state to provide in-person, secured, and clearly labeled drop boxes for voted absentee ballots in every county. This gives people a safe and direct way to submit their ballots.
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Section 305(b) ensures drop boxes are available for a minimum period beginning 45 days before the election until the polls close. This gives voters plenty of time to drop off their ballots.
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Section 305(c) requires drop boxes to be accessible for individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited proficiency in the English language. This ensures that more people can cast their votes without facing unfair barriers.
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Section 305(e) states that drop box locations must be available on a non-discriminatory basis, accessible by public transportation to the greatest extent possible, available all hours of the day, and sufficiently available in rural communities and on Tribal lands. This helps make voting more convenient for people living in different types of areas.
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Section 305(f) requires state and local officials to consult with Tribal leaders and consider travel distances, road conditions, and transportation when placing drop boxes on Tribal lands. This respects Tribal communities and helps address unique local travel challenges.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
The provided text does not contain any sections or provisions that outline potential negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill mandates consultation with Tribal leaders and considers travel distances and road conditions for drop boxes on Tribal lands. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The legislation requires drop boxes to meet specific accessibility standards for individuals with disabilities. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill expands voting access options that benefit minority communities. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill requires drop boxes to be accessible to individuals with limited English proficiency. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill specifically requires sufficient drop box availability in rural communities. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The accessibility requirements for individuals with limited English proficiency assist immigrant voters. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Improving public transit accessibility for drop boxes helps low-income voters who may lack private transportation. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The requirement for drop boxes to be accessible by public transportation helps urban residents.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice? — The legislation ensures widespread, 24/7 availability of secure drop boxes for a minimum of 45 days before an election. Does this protect the right to vote? — The bill expands and protects voting access by requiring states to provide secured absentee ballot drop boxes for federal elections. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill explicitly mandates that all absentee ballot drop boxes be fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill ensures accessible absentee ballot drop boxes on Tribal lands and in diverse communities, helping reduce barriers for minority voters.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make elections run better? — The legislation standardizes and secures the absentee ballot collection process across all counties for federal elections. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill imposes federal mandates on states under the Help America Vote Act regarding absentee ballot drop boxes. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires clear posting of information on ballot requirements adjacent to each drop box.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill requires states to ensure drop boxes are sufficiently available in rural communities.
- 10/1/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Sylvia GarciaDemocrat · Texas
Lateefah SimonDemocrat · California