H.R. 10700: Accessible Voting Act of 2026 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill would make it easier for people with disabilities, older adults, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and people with limited English proficiency to get election information and vote.

Access to election information and polling places

The bill would create new federal offices and websites focused on voting access. It would require states to make key election information easier to find and use, including information about polling places, voting rules, and accessibility features. States would also have to give rapid public notice when voting rules change or when polling-place resources are updated.

Alerts and voter communication

Voters could request election updates by email or mail, and states would have to provide those alerts. The bill is aimed at helping voters learn about important changes in time to respond.

Expanded voting access and protections

The bill would expand access to absentee voting and other accessible voting methods. It also adds protections for disabled voters, older voters, and people under guardianship. In general, it would require more attention to making voting systems and procedures usable for people who may face barriers at the polls or when voting by mail.

State funding and accessibility improvements

The bill would provide funding to states to improve election accessibility. This could include changes to polling places, voting materials, and related systems so they are easier to use for people with different access needs.

Technology, research, and oversight

Voting technology bought with grant money would have to be public and nonproprietary, meaning it could not be locked up as private technology controlled by one company. The bill would also coordinate accessibility research with existing federal voting-tech grant programs under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). It authorizes $30 million for these purposes.

Changes to federal election advisory oversight

The bill would expand the Election Assistance Commission’s Board of Advisors from 37 to 49 members. It would add representatives focused on disability access and older voters, with the change taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Legal support for access-related enforcement

The bill would remove limits on advocacy litigation funding for election-related disability access cases, making it easier for groups to support legal challenges involving accessibility problems in elections.