{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Legislation","name":"Voter Empowerment Act of 2021","description":"

Voter Empowerment Act of 2021

This bill expands voter registration and voting access.

Specifically, the bill expands voter registration by requiring states to (1) make available online voter registration, (2) establish automatic voter registration systems, (3) permit same-day voter registration, and (4) accept voter registration applications from individuals under age 18.

Further, the bill limits removing voters from voter rolls and prohibits interference with voter registration or voting.

Next, the bill requires states to allow individuals with disabilities to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in federal elections.

The bill also prohibits voter caging (the practice of sending mail to addresses on voter rolls, compiling a list of the undeliverable mail, and using the list to remove registered voters from voter rolls).

Next, the bill expands voting access by requiring states to allow early voting and voting by mail without additional conditions. It also requires states to provide secured drop boxes at which individuals may drop off their completed absentee ballots.

In addition, the bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any federal election shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence.

Finally, the bill permanently reauthorizes the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). It also directs the EAC to make grants to states for specified activities, including to implement automatic voter registration systems.

","legislationIdentifier":"S 954","legislationType":"Bill","legislationLegalForce":"NotInForce","legislationJurisdiction":"USA","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Kirsten E. Gillibrand","url":"https://legisdaily.com/mp/kirstene-gillibrand-us"}],"about":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Government Operations and Politics"},"keywords":"Advisory bodies, Aging, Civil actions and liability, Congressional elections, Congressional oversight, Correctional facilities and imprisonment, Disability and paralysis, Disaster relief and insurance, Election Assistance Commission, Elections, voting, political campaign regulation, Elementary and secondary education, Emergency planning and evacuation, Employee hiring, Family relationships, Foreign language and bilingual programs, Fraud offenses and financial crimes, Government information and archives, Government studies and investigations, Higher education, Indian lands and resources rights, Indian social and development programs, Internet and video services, Internet, web applications, social media, Law enforcement administration and funding, Military personnel and dependents, Natural disasters, Northern Ireland, Postal service, Public contracts and procurement, State and local government operations, U.S. territories and protectorates, Voting rights, Worker safety and health","dateModified":"2025-01-14T00:00:00.000Z","url":"https://legisdaily.com/bill/USA-117-S-954"}

Kirsten E. Gillibrand

Rules and Administration Committee

Kirsten E. Gillibrand

Rules and Administration Committee