H.R. 4125: Equal Voices Act

This bill, known as the Equal Voices Act, proposes changes to how many Members of the House of Representatives serve and how they are elected. Here’s a breakdown of the key provisions:

Purpose of the Bill

The main goal of the Equal Voices Act is to adjust the number of Representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives to ensure that, on average, each member represents approximately 500,000 constituents. The bill argues that current ratios, with Members representing over 760,000 residents on average, lead to less effective representation and engagement with constituents.

Key Provisions

Change in the Number of Representatives

The bill aims to amend existing laws to determine the number of Representatives based on the total population of the U.S., divided by 500,000, rounded to the nearest whole odd number. This change will take effect with the first regular decennial census after the bill becomes law and for all subsequent censuses.

Establishment of Districts

States may opt to create multi-member districts for the election of Representatives. This means that instead of having a separate congressional district for every Representative, a state can decide to have fewer districts with multiple Members elected from them. In such cases, each district must have nearly equal populations.

Ranked Choice Voting

States that choose to use multi-member districts can implement ranked choice voting for elections. This voting method allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, rather than just choosing one. The bill sets guidelines for how ballots should be designed and how votes will be counted and tabulated under this system.

Commission on Representation

If significant population shifts occur (15% increase or decrease in the number of Representatives), the bill establishes a commission to analyze population changes. This commission will recommend whether to adjust the number and distribution of Representatives based on new census data. The commission will consist of 15 members with specific appointment criteria, with the aim of ensuring a nonpartisan perspective.

Funding and Resources

The bill authorizes necessary appropriations for additional resources, facilities, and personnel required by the House as a result of these changes. This ensures that the House can manage alterations effectively.

Effective Dates

The amendments stipulated in the bill would apply starting with the next decennial census following enactment, thereby corresponding with the schedule for population counting in the U.S.

Relevant Companies

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