Bill Sponsor
Senate Bill 3961
116th Congress(2019-2020)
Pandemic Democracy for All Act
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Senate on Jun 15, 2020
Overview
Text
Introduced
Jun 15, 2020
Latest Action
Jun 15, 2020
Origin Chamber
Senate
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
3961
Congress
116
Policy Area
Government Operations and Politics
Government Operations and Politics
Primary focus of measure is government administration, including agency organization, contracting, facilities and property, information management and services; rulemaking and administrative law; elections and political activities; government employees and officials; Presidents; ethics and public participation; postal service. Measures concerning agency appropriations and the budget process may fall under Economics and Public Finance policy area.
Sponsorship by Party
Democrat
Oregon
Senate Votes (0)
House Votes (0)
No Senate votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Pandemic Democracy for All Act

This bill requires states and local jurisdictions to allow absentee voting during the November 2020 general election for individuals impacted by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). It also establishes grants to implement online registration systems and to increase absentee voting.

Specifically, states and local jurisdictions must allow an individual to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot if the individual has a reasonable concern that voting in person on the date of the election may expose them to contracting COVID-19 or if they are otherwise impacted by COVID-19. The Department of Justice may bring a civil action against a state or local jurisdiction for violations.

In addition, the bill authorizes the Election Assistance Commission to award grants to states and local jurisdictions to (1) implement online absentee registration systems for the November 2020 general election, and (2) facilitate an increase in absentee voting during such election (e.g., the costs associated with the purchase of materials and educational outreach).

Text (1)
Actions (2)
06/15/2020
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
06/15/2020
Introduced in Senate
Public Record
Record Updated
Jan 11, 2023 1:46:15 PM