VOTE Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7182

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-14: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

Last Updated

2026-06-02T13:12:47Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections Act (VOTE Act), H.R. 7182, aims to improve voter access and election transparency by requiring states to notify registered voters about changes to polling places for federal elections. This helps prevent confusion and ensures voters can locate their correct voting sites.

Key Provisions

• Notification for Polling Place Changes: If a voter's assigned polling place for a federal election differs from the previous federal election, the state must notify the individual at least 7 days before the election. Notification occurs via mail, phone, text message (if available), and email.
• General Public Notices: States must post announcements about changes on their websites, social media (if available), and signs at the previous polling place.
• Last-Minute Changes: If a change happens fewer than 7 days before the election and the voter shows up at the old location, the state must make reasonable efforts to allow them to vote there.
• Vote Centers (Non-Assigned Polling): In areas where voters aren't assigned to specific sites (e.g., any early voting location), officials must notify eligible voters of all available polling places at least 2 days before early voting begins.
• Closed Polling Places: For locations no longer used as polling sites:
• Signs must be posted on election day and during early voting, stating the site is closed and providing details on new locations, including substitutes for the same precinct, directions, and contact info for election officials.
• This information must also appear on state websites and social media.
• Language Accessibility: All notices must follow the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which requires materials in languages commonly used by voters with limited English proficiency in certain areas.
• Effective Date: Applies to federal elections starting January 1, 2026.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends Section 302 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), which previously focused on accessibility standards for polling places (e.g., ramps for disabilities). It adds a new subsection (d) specifically mandating these notification rules, redesignating the old subsection (d) as (e) and updating a conforming reference. No prior HAVA section required such detailed, multi-method notifications for polling changes.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Reduces barriers to voting by minimizing confusion from unannounced changes, potentially increasing turnout, especially for elderly, disabled, or non-English-speaking voters.
• On Government Agencies: State and local election officials face new administrative duties, such as tracking changes, sending personalized notifications, and posting signs/online info, which could raise costs but improve compliance with federal standards.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic election law.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Registered Voters: Primary beneficiaries, particularly those in areas with frequent polling adjustments due to logistics or redistricting.
• State and Local Election Officials: Responsible for implementing notifications, which may require updates to voter databases and communication systems.
• Jurisdictions with Vote Centers: Larger cities or counties using flexible voting models must provide broader notifications.
• Minority Language Communities: Protected by Voting Rights Act integration, ensuring equitable access.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens enforcement of voting access under HAVA and the Voting Rights Act, potentially reducing lawsuits over voter suppression claims related to polling disruptions. "Reasonable efforts" to allow voting at old sites provides flexibility but could lead to disputes over what qualifies as reasonable.
• Constitutional: Aligns with the Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment) by promoting fair election processes, without altering core voting rights.
• Political: May enhance public trust in elections by addressing concerns about transparency, though it imposes burdens on election administrators that could spark debates over federal overreach into state election management. No partisan tilt evident in the bill text, introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32]

Cosponsors (5)

Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-14: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
• 2026-05-14: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2026-01-21: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
• 2026-01-21: Introduced in House
• 2026-01-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections Act — issued 2026-01-21 — PDF (5 pages)