H.R. 7356: No Federal Funds for Ballot Harvesting Act

This bill, titled the No Federal Funds for Ballot Harvesting Act, aims to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Its primary purpose is to prohibit the use of federal funds for election administration in states that allow the practice of ballot harvesting. Below are the key components of what this bill would implement:

Key Provisions

• Definition of Ballot Harvesting: The bill addresses concerns about ballot harvesting, which is when individuals who are not the actual voters deposit absentee ballots for others. This practice is believed to create vulnerabilities in the voting process.
• Restriction on Federal Funding: States that permit ballot harvesting would not be eligible to receive federal funds to administer elections for federal offices. This provision is included in an amendment to the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
• Exceptions to the Prohibition: The bill outlines specific exceptions where ballot collection is permissible. These include:
• Election officials performing their official duties.
• Employees of the United States Postal Service or carriers involved in mail delivery.
• Individuals authorized by law to collect and transmit mail.
• Family members, household members, or caregivers of the ballot sender.

Findings of Congress

In proposing this bill, Congress highlights several findings:

• The right to vote is a fundamental right protected by the U.S. Constitution.
• Reports from election observation programs indicate that ballot harvesting occurred during recent elections, leading to concerns about election integrity.
• Ballot harvesting may undermine voter protections and lead to potential undue influence over voters.
• The Supreme Court has upheld a state's authority to limit ballot harvesting, providing a legal basis for this bill.

Impact on States

The legislation would influence how states manage their election processes, specifically focusing on their laws about ballot collection. If a state does not enact a law that prohibits unauthorized individuals from collecting and returning ballots, they would risk losing federal funding to support their election administration.

Implementation and Compliance

For states that want to continue receiving federal funds for election purposes, they will need to ensure that their laws comply with the new requirements set forth in this bill. This includes establishing clear definitions and responsibilities regarding who can legitimately collect and submit ballots.

Relevant Companies

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