Bill Sponsor
House Bill 4959
117th Congress(2021-2022)
Right to Vote Act
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in House on Aug 6, 2021
Overview
Text
Introduced
Aug 6, 2021
Latest Action
Nov 1, 2022
Origin Chamber
House
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
4959
Congress
117
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
New York
Democrat
California
House Votes (0)
Senate Votes (0)
No House votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Right to Vote Act

This bill addresses the right to vote in federal elections.

Specifically, the bill declares that every citizen of legal voting age shall have the right to vote in federal elections that is free from any burden on the time, place, or manner of voting.

In addition, the bill prohibits federal, state, and local governments from substantially impairing the ability to vote in federal elections unless the government action furthers an important and particularized governmental interest. Further, the bill specifies that a government may not diminish the ability to vote in federal elections unless the action uses the least restrictive means to achieve such an interest.

A violation of rights created by the bill may be challenged in district court, and a prevailing plaintiff may receive attorney fees. The bill outlines judicial review standards for challenges to voting practices.

Text (1)
August 6, 2021
Actions (3)
11/01/2022
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
08/06/2021
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
08/06/2021
Introduced in House
Public Record
Record Updated
Jan 1, 2023 8:19:34 PM