119th CONGRESS 1st Session |
Expressing the sense of Congress that the votes of overseas servicemembers must be counted and honored as required under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
April 14, 2025
Ms. Ross (for herself, Mrs. Foushee, and Ms. Adams) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration
Expressing the sense of Congress that the votes of overseas servicemembers must be counted and honored as required under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Whereas the right to vote is a fundamental pillar of democracy and a sacred right safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States;
Whereas Congress enacted the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) (52 U.S.C. 20301–20311) in 1986 to protect the voting rights of members of the United States Uniformed Services and overseas citizens, ensuring their ability to participate in Federal elections through absentee ballots;
Whereas UOCAVA requires States and territories to establish procedures to guarantee the timely transmission, receipt, and counting of absentee ballots from eligible uniformed servicemembers and overseas citizens;
Whereas servicemembers stationed abroad face unique and significant challenges in exercising their right to vote, including logistical barriers, mail delays, and operational demands inherent to their service to the Nation; and
Whereas the failure to count legally cast absentee ballots from military personnel and overseas citizens undermines election integrity, disrespects their sacrifices, and weakens public trust in democratic processes: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1) the votes of uniformed servicemembers and overseas citizens, submitted in compliance with the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), must be fully counted and honored in all Federal, State, and local elections;
(2) all States, territories, and election authorities must uphold their obligations under UOCAVA by ensuring that no legally submitted absentee ballot is rejected without due process or in violation of Federal law; and
(3) the disenfranchisement of military personnel and overseas citizens through administrative error, procedural delays, or undue restrictions is unacceptable and contrary to the values of the United States.
SEC. 2. Reaffirming Federal protections.
Congress reaffirms its commitment to enforcing UOCAVA and ensuring that every eligible servicemember and overseas citizen can exercise their right to vote without undue burden. States and territories are urged to prioritize the timely processing, acceptance, and counting of absentee ballots in accordance with Federal law.
Congress calls upon the Attorney General of the United States to monitor compliance with UOCAVA, take prompt action to address violations, and safeguard the voting rights of uniformed servicemembers and overseas citizens.