H.R. 5903: Pre-Registration Of Voters Everywhere Act (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, titled the Pre-Registration Of Voters Everywhere Act or PROVE Act, proposes changes to enhance voter registration processes in the United States, particularly focusing on minors. Here’s a breakdown of its main components:

Pre-Registration for Minors

The bill would require each state to implement a system allowing individuals who are at least 16 years old to pre-register to vote in federal elections. The key points include:

Eligibility: Residents of a state who are 16 years old may apply for registration. This means they can fill out and submit their registration forms even if they are not yet 18.
Automatic Registration: If a minor pre-registers before turning 18 and would be eligible to vote at that age, the state must ensure they are automatically registered for elections occurring on or after their 18th birthday.
Optional Lower Age Registration: States have the option to allow even younger individuals, those under 16, to use this pre-registration process.

Grants to States

The bill also allocates funding for states to engage minors in public election activities. This aims to promote civic education and participation among youth. Key aspects include:

Federal Grants: The Election Assistance Commission will provide grants to states that create plans to increase the involvement of individuals under 18 in election activities.
Plan Requirements: States must outline methods to promote the new pre-registration process, suggest changes to school curricula that encourage civic engagement, and propose other initiatives to involve young people in the electoral process.
Grant Duration and Reporting: Grants will be funded over a two-year period. States receiving these funds must submit a report six months after the grant period ends, detailing their activities and the effectiveness of their plans.
Funding Amount: The bill authorizes up to $25 million for these grants, which will remain available until fully expended.

Implementation Timeline

The requirements for the pre-registration process would take effect 90 days after the bill becomes law, giving states a defined timeline to comply with the new regulations.