James Clyburn (D-SC)
Voter Empowerment Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform, Science, Space, and Technology, Education and Workforce, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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
The Voter Empowerment Act of 2026 aims to modernize voter registration and increase voting access, particularly for individuals with disabilities. It mandates online registration services, automatic voter registration through government agencies, and same-day registration for Federal elections. The legislation introduces strict prohibitions against voter caging and deceptive practices while restoring voting rights to citizens with criminal convictions who are not serving felony sentences in correctional facilities. Additionally, the bill implements new standards for early voting, mail-in voting, and the use of voter-verified paper ballots. It also establishes protections for voters on Indian lands and requires institutions of higher education to assist with student registration. Finally, the act focuses on improving election security through updated standards and disaster preparedness contingency plans.
Yes· 3 of 30
- Scored +10
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill contains an entire title dedicated to promoting and ensuring voting access for individuals with disabilities.
- Scored +10
Does this protect the right to vote?
The bill substantially expands voting access through automatic registration, same-day registration, and mail-in options.
- Scored +10
Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice?
The bill removes numerous barriers to registration and voting across multiple platforms.
The opposite· 3 of 5
- Scored -7
Does this leave more decisions to the states?
The bill overrides various state-level registration and voting procedures with federal requirements.
- Scored -5
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill increases government spending through the authorization of hundreds of millions of dollars in grants.
- Scored -3
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The bill mandates the electronic transfer of personal data between government agencies.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Access to Registration: States must provide online application services, including assistance with signatures, to make registering easier (Section 101).
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Automatic Voter Registration: Eligible citizens will be automatically registered through participating government agencies unless they choose to decline (Section 112).
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Easier Information Updates: Registered voters can use the internet to update their personal information, such as their address, directly on official websites (Section 102).
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Enhanced Communication: Election officials can provide essential voting information to voters via electronic mail (Section 103).
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Streamlined Registration for Minors: The bill allows for the acceptance of voter registration applications from individuals as young as 16 (Section 194).
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Improved Accessibility for Disabilities: States are required to establish accessible election websites and provide procedures for individuals with disabilities to request and receive absentee ballots electronically (Sections 201 and 202). Additionally, the bill mandates making absentee voting and polling places more accessible, including paths of travel and voting areas (Sec. 205(a)). It also establishes pilot programs for private and independent registration and ballot requesting at home (Sec. 207).
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Protections for Vulnerable Voters: Individuals subject to guardianship cannot be deemed unable to vote unless a court finds by clear and convincing evidence that they cannot communicate a desire to vote (Section 204).
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Increased Convenience via Same-Day Registration: Eligible individuals can register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day during Federal elections (Section 131).
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Restoration of Voting Rights: Citizens with criminal convictions would regain the right to vote in Federal elections unless they are currently serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution (Sec. 503).
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Increased Protection Against Deceptive Practices: The law prohibits communicating materially false information regarding election times, places, or voter eligibility with the intent to impede voting (Sec. 402(a)(2)). It also prohibits hindering or interfering with a person's attempt to vote or register (Sec. 402(a)(4)).
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Prevention of Voter Caging: The bill prohibits election officials from using "voter caging" documents or unverified match lists to prevent individuals from registering or voting (Sec. 301(b)).
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Improved Ballot Security and Verification: The legislation requires the use of durable, voter-verified paper ballots that allow for manual audits and recounts (Sec. 602(a)).
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Expanded Early Voting Opportunities: States would be required to provide a consecutive early voting period of at least 15 days leading up to an election, with polling places open for at least 10 hours a day (Sec. 310(a)-(b)).
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Streamlined Mail-in Voting: The bill prohibits states from requiring identification, notarization, or witness signatures as conditions for obtaining an absentee ballot (Sec. 901(a)(2)). It also requires states to provide a "cure" process for signature discrepancies (Sec. 901(b)(2)).
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Enhanced Voter Rights and Recourse: Individuals aggrieved by violations of title III can file written, notarized complaints with the Attorney General and may also pursue a private right of action under 42 U.S.C. 1983 (Section 401(b) and (c)).
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Increased Student Voter Engagement: Institutions of higher education are tasked with making reasonable efforts to distribute registration applications, provide guidance on residency and registration updates, and share nonpartisan resources (Section 1401(b)).
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Improved Polling Place Information: States must notify voters of changes to their assigned polling places at least 7 days before an election via mail, telephone, and potentially text or email (Section 1402(a)(1)).
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Flexible Identification Options: Individuals can meet voter identification requirements by presenting a sworn written statement signed under penalty of perjury or a student identification card (Section 1403(a)(1)).
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Support for Voters on Indian Lands: Tribal lands may designate specific buildings for ballot pickup and collection at no cost to the Tribe, and voters may use these locations as residential or mailing addresses (Section 1404(a)(1) and (3)).
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Reduced Waiting Times: States are required to provide sufficient resources to ensure no individual has to wait longer than 30 minutes to cast a ballot (Section 1405(a)(1)).
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Increased Convenience via Drop Boxes: Every election jurisdiction must provide secured, clearly labeled drop boxes for absentee ballots, which must be accessible to individuals with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency (Section s 1406(a) and (c)).
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Access to Curbside Voting: The bill prohibits states from restricting or excluding individuals from using curbside voting (Section 1407(a)).
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Disaster Preparedness: States must establish and maintain contingency plans for elections during natural disasters or public health/national emergencies to ensure individuals can still vote (Section 1411(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Requirements for Information Accuracy: While intended to help, the bill requires specific documentation and information for interstate cross-checks to prevent incorrect removals from voter lists (Section 141).
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Automated Registration Concerns: Under the automatic system, individuals will be registered unless they affirmatively decline, which requires constant attention to notification and choice (Section 112).
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Financial Burdens on States/Local Governments: The bill imposes several new mandates on states, such as requirements for early voting (Sec. 310), specific paper ballot standards (Sec. 602), and absentee ballot tracking programs (Sec. 312), which may require significant administrative and financial adjustments.
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Potential Litigation Burdens: The expansion of private rights of action for various violations—such as deceptive practices (Sec. 402(b)) and voting rights restoration (Sec. 504)—could lead to an increase in civil litigation.
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Stringent Penalties for Election Officials and Individuals: Individuals found guilty of violating prohibitions against deceptive practices or interfering with voting could face fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to 5 years (Sec. 402(c)). Additionally, those who violate voter caging prohibitions face fines or up to 1 year in prison (Sec. 301(d)).
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Restrictions on Election Officials: Chief state election administration officials are prohibited from taking an active part in political management or campaigns, which includes holding positions in candidate committees or soliciting contributions (Section 1301(a) and (c)).
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Administrative Burden on Higher Education Institutions: Institutions of higher education are given specific responsibilities regarding voter registration distribution, providing guidance, and appointing a Campus Vote Coordinator (Section 1401(b)).
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Strict Deadlines for Polling Place Changes: If a state assigns a new polling place fewer than 7 days before an election, it must make "every reasonable effort" to enable the individual to vote (Section 1402(a)(1)(B)).
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 people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill contains an entire title dedicated to promoting and ensuring voting access for individuals with disabilities. Would students be better off under this? — The bill mandates that higher education institutions act as contributing agencies for voter registration. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets youth engagement and permits registration of 16 and 17-year-olds. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill addresses disproportionate impacts of existing registration systems on racial minorities. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill addresses disproportionate impacts of existing registration systems on racial minorities. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill addresses disproportionate impacts of existing registration systems on racial minorities. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill specifically includes accommodations for voters residing on Indian lands. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Automatic and online registration lower the cost and effort barriers for low-income voters. Would retired people be better off under this? — Increased mail-in options and protections for the elderly facilitate voting for retirees. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Online and mail-in options significantly reduce the travel burden for rural voters. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill provides specific protections for older individuals in person voting. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill expands protections and simplifies the process for uniformed and overseas voters. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — General improvements in registration convenience benefit all adult age groups. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Convenience improvements benefit the middle class. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Increased mail-in and online options benefit dense urban populations. Would white Americans be better off under this? — General convenience improvements benefit all eligible voters. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Convenience improvements benefit high-income voters. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill protects naturalized citizens and prevents automatic registration from being used as evidence against non-citizens.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice? — The bill removes numerous barriers to registration and voting across multiple platforms. Does this protect the right to vote? — The bill substantially expands voting access through automatic registration, same-day registration, and mail-in options. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill specifically mandates increased access and protections for individuals with disabilities in the voting process. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill aims to reduce disproportionate impacts of registration systems on racial and ethnic minorities.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make elections run better? — The bill modernizes registration and expands access to the ballot for eligible citizens. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill imposes significant federal mandates on how states must conduct voter registration and elections. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill prohibits voter caging and restricts the removal of voters based on weak cross-check data. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires biennial reports on registration statistics and public disclosure of record changes. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The bill overrides various state-level registration and voting procedures with federal requirements. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill mandates the electronic transfer of personal data between government agencies.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill increases government spending through the authorization of hundreds of millions of dollars in grants. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill introduces new expenditures without identifying offsetting revenue sources. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill authorizes significant new federal spending for grants to states.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill sets NIST standards for data security, though it increases the electronic transfer of personal data. Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill provides grants for civic engagement and voter registration information in secondary schools.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill mandates the NIST to establish security and privacy standards for voter databases.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill requires states to create federal election contingency plans for natural disasters.
- 8/31/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/26/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/25/2026
- Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform, Science, Space, and Technology, Education and Workforce, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Gabe AmoDemocrat · Rhode Island
Troy CarterDemocrat · Louisiana
Bonnie Watson ColemanDemocrat · New Jersey