,i #aahth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #igbg ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,september #bj1 #bjbd,mr4 ,clyburn introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,house ,administration1 and in addition to the ,committees on the ,judiciary1 ,oversight and ,accountability1 ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology1 ,education and the ,workforce1 and ,energy and ,commerce1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to modernize voter registration1 promote access to voting for individuals with disabilities1 protect the ability of individuals to exercise the right to vote in elections for ,federal office1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 statement of policy 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,voter ,empowerment ,act of #bjbd4 7b7 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states that-- 7#a7 the ability of all eligible citizens of the ,united ,states to access and exercise their constitutional right to vote in a free1 fair1 and timely manner must be vigilantly enhanced1 protected1 and maintained2 and 7#b7 the integrity1 security1 and accountability of the voting process must be vigilantly protected1 maintained1 and enhanced in order to protect and preserve electoral and participatory democracy in the ,united ,states4 #b4 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 statement of policy4,sec4 #b4 ,table of contents4,title ,i--,voter ,registration ,modernization,sec4 #ajj4 ,short title4,subtitle ,a--,promoting ,internet ,registration,sec4 #aja4 ,requiring availability of internet for voter registration4,sec4 #ajb4 ,use of internet to update registration information4,sec4 #ajc4 ,provision of election information by electronic mail to individuals registered to vote4,sec4 #ajd4 ,clarification of requirement regarding necessary information to show eligibility to vote4,sec4 #aje4 ,prohibiting ,state from requiring applicants to provide more than last #d digits of ,social ,security number4,sec4 #ajf4 ,application of rules to certain exempt ,states4,sec4 #ajg4 ,effective date4,subtitle ,b--,automatic ,voter ,registration,sec4 #aaa4 ,short title2 findings and purpose4,sec4 #aab4 ,automatic registration of eligible individuals4,sec4 #aac4 ,contributing agency assistance in registration4,sec4 #aad4 ,one-time contributing agency assistance in registration of eligible voters in existing records4,sec4 #aae4 ,voter protection and security in automatic registration4,sec4 #aaf4 ,registration portability and correction4,sec4 #aag4 ,payments and grants4,sec4 #aah4 ,treatment of exempt ,states4,sec4 #aai4 ,miscellaneous provisions4,sec4 #abj4 ,definitions4,sec4 #aba4 ,effective date4,subtitle ,c--,same ,day ,voter ,registration,sec4 #aca4 ,same day registration4,subtitle ,d--,conditions on ,removal on ,basis of ,interstate ,cross-,checks,sec4 #ada4 ,conditions on removal of registrants from official list of eligible voters on basis of interstate cross-,checks4,subtitle ,e--,other ,initiatives ,to ,promote ,voter ,registration,sec4 #aea4 ,biennial reports on voter registration statistics4,sec4 #aeb4 ,ensuring pre-election registration deadlines are consistent with timing of legal public holidays4,sec4 #aec4 ,use of ,postal ,service hard copy change of address form to remind individuals to update voter registration4,sec4 #aed4 ,grants to ,states for activities to encourage involvement of minors in election activities4,subtitle ,f--,availability of ,,hava ,requirements ,payments,sec4 #afa4 ,availability of requirements payments under ,,hava ,to cover costs of compliance with new requirements4,subtitle ,g--,prohibiting ,interference ,with ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #aga4 ,prohibiting hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing voter registration4,sec4 #agb4 ,establishment of best practices4,subtitle ,h--,voter ,registration ,efficiency ,act,sec4 #aha4 ,short title4,sec4 #ahb4 ,requiring applicants for motor vehicle driver's licenses in new ,state to indicate whether ,state serves as residence for voter registration purposes4,subtitle ,i--,providing ,voter ,registration ,information to ,secondary ,school ,students,sec4 #aia4 ,pilot program for providing voter registration information to secondary school students prior to graduation4,sec4 #aib4 ,reports4,sec4 #aic4 ,authorization of appropriations4,subtitle ,j--,voter ,registration of ,minors,sec4 #aid4 ,acceptance of voter registration applications from individuals under #ah years of age4,title ,,ii--,access to ,voting for ,individuals ,with ,disabilities,sec4 #bja4 ,requirements for ,state to promote access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities4,sec4 #bjb4 ,establishment and maintenance of ,state accessible election websites4,sec4 #bjc4 ,protections for in-person voting for individuals with disabilities and older individuals4,sec4 #bjd4 ,protections for individuals subject to guardianship4,sec4 #bje4 ,expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure voting access for individuals with disabilities4,sec4 #bjf4 ,appointments to ,,eac ,board of ,advisors4,sec4 #bjg4 ,pilot programs for enabling individuals with disabilities to register to vote privately and independently at residences4,sec4 #bjh4 ,,gao analysis and report on voting access for individuals with disabilities4,title ,,iii--,prohibiting ,voter ,caging,sec4 #cja4 ,voter caging and other questionable challenges prohibited4,sec4 #cjb4 ,development and adoption of best practices for preventing voter caging4,title ,,iv--,prohibiting ,deceptive ,practices and ,preventing ,voter ,intimidation,sec4 #dja4 ,short title4,sec4 #djb4 ,prohibition on deceptive practices in ,federal elections4,sec4 #djc4 ,corrective action4,sec4 #djd4 ,reports to ,congress4,title ,v--,democracy ,restoration,sec4 #eja4 ,short title4,sec4 #ejb4 ,findings4,sec4 #ejc4 ,rights of citizens4,sec4 #ejd4 ,enforcement4,sec4 #eje4 ,notification of restoration of voting rights4,sec4 #ejf4 ,definitions4,sec4 #ejg4 ,relation to other laws4,sec4 #ejh4 ,federal prison funds4,sec4 #eji4 ,effective date4,title ,,vi--,promoting ,accuracy1 ,integrity1 and ,security ,through ,voter-,verified ,permanent ,paper ,ballot,sec4 #fja4 ,short title4,sec4 #fjb4 ,paper ballot and manual counting requirements4,sec4 #fjc4 ,accessibility and ballot verification for individuals with disabilities4,sec4 #fjd4 ,durability and readability requirements for ballots4,sec4 #fje4 ,study and report on optimal ballot design4,sec4 #fjf4 ,paper ballot printing requirements4,sec4 #fjg4 ,effective date for new requirements4,title ,,vii--,provisional ,ballots,sec4 #gja4 ,requirements for counting provisional ballots2 establishment of uniform and nondiscriminatory standards4,title ,,viii--,early ,voting,sec4 #hja4 ,early voting4,title ,,ix--,voting by ,mail,sec4 #ija4 ,voting by mail4,sec4 #ijb4 ,absentee ballot tracking program4,sec4 #ijc4 ,election mail and delivery improvements4,sec4 #ijd4 ,voting materials postage4,title ,x--,absent ,uniformed ,services ,voters and ,overseas ,voters,sec4 #ajja4 ,pre-election reports on availability and transmission of absentee ballots4,sec4 #ajjb4 ,enforcement4,sec4 #ajjc4 ,revisions to #de-;day absentee ballot transmission rule4,sec4 #ajjd4 ,use of single absentee ballot application for subsequent elections4,sec4 #ajje4 ,extending guarantee of residency for voting purposes to family members of absent military personnel4,sec4 #ajjf4 ,requiring transmission of blank absentee ballots under ,,uocava to certain voters4,sec4 #ajjg4 ,effective date4,title ,,xi--,poll ,worker ,recruitment and ,training,sec4 #aaja4 ,grants to ,states for poll worker recruitment and training4,sec4 #aajb4 ,state defined4,title ,,xii--,enhancement of ,enforcement,sec4 #abja4 ,enhancement of enforcement of ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb4,title ,,xiii--,federal ,election ,integrity,sec4 #acja4 ,prohibition on campaign activities by chief ,state election administration officials4,title ,,xiv--,promoting ,voter ,access ,through ,election ,administration ,improvements,subtitle ,a--,promoting ,voter ,access,sec4 #adja4 ,treatment of institutions of higher education4,sec4 #adjb4 ,minimum notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes4,sec4 #adjc4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements for voting4,sec4 #adjd4 ,accommodations for voters residing in ,indian lands4,sec4 #adje4 ,ensuring equitable and efficient operation of polling places4,sec4 #adjf4 ,requiring ,state to provide secured drop boxes for voted absentee ballots in elections for ,federal office4,sec4 #adjg4 ,prohibiting ,states from restricting curbside voting4,subtitle ,b--,disaster and ,emergency ,contingency ,plans,sec4 #adaa4 ,requirements for ,federal election contingency plans in response to natural disasters and emergencies4,subtitle ,c--,improvements in ,operation of ,election ,assistance ,commission,sec4 #adba4 ,reauthorization of ,election ,assistance ,commission4,sec4 #adbb4 ,requiring ,states to participate in post-general election surveys4,sec4 #adbc4 ,reports by ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology on use of funds transferred from ,election ,assistance ,commission4,sec4 #adbd4 ,recommendations to improve operations of ,election ,assistance ,commission4,sec4 #adbe4 ,repeal of exemption of ,election ,assistance ,commission from certain government contracting requirements4,subtitle ,d--,miscellaneous ,provisions,sec4 #adca4 ,application of laws to ,commonwealth of ,northern ,mariana ,islands4,sec4 #adcb4 ,definition of election for ,federal office4,sec4 #adcc4 ,no effect on other laws4,sec4 #adcd4 ,clarification of exemption for ,states without voter registration4,title ,,xv--,severability,sec4 #aeja4 ,severability4 ,i ,voter ,registration ,modernization #ajj4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjbd4 ,a ,promoting ,internet ,registration #aja4 ,requiring availability of internet for voter registration 7a7 ,requiring ,availability of ,internet for ,registration ,the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #f the following new section3 #f;,a4 ,internet ,registration 7a7 ,requiring ,availability of ,internet for ,online ,registration ,each ,state1 acting through the chief ,state election official1 shall ensure that the following services are available to the public at any time on the official public websites of the appropriate ,state and local election officials in the ,state1 in the same manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as the services provided by voter registration agencies under section #g7;a73 7#a7 ,online application for voter registration4 7#b7 ,online assistance to applicants in applying to register to vote4 7#c7 ,online completion and submission by applicants of the mail voter registration application form prescribed by the ,election ,assistance ,commission pursuant to section #i7;a77#b71 including assistance with providing a signature as required under subsection 7c74 7#d7 ,online receipt of completed voter registration applications4 7b7 ,acceptance of completed applications ,a ,state shall accept an online voter registration application provided by an individual under this section1 and ensure that the individual is registered to vote in the ,state1 if-- 7#a7 the individual meets the same voter registration requirements applicable to individuals who register to vote by mail in accordance with section #f7;a77#a7 using the mail voter registration application form prescribed by the ,election ,assistance ,commission pursuant to section #i7;a77#b72 and 7#b7 the individual meets the requirements of subsection 7c7 to provide a signature in electronic form 7but only in the case of applications submitted during or after the second year in which this section is in effect in the ,state74 7c7 ,signature requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this section1 an individual meets the requirements of this subsection as follows3 7,a7 ,in the case of an individual who has a signature on file with a ,state agency1 including the ,state motor vehicle authority1 that is required to provide voter registration services under this ,act or any other law1 the individual consents to the transfer of that electronic signature4 7,b7 ,if subparagraph 7,a7 does not apply1 the individual submits with the application an electronic copy of the individual's handwritten signature through electronic means4 7,c7 ,if subparagraph 7,a7 and subparagraph 7,b7 do not apply1 the individual executes a computerized mark in the signature field on an online voter registration application1 in accordance with reasonable security measures established by the ,state1 but only if the ,state accepts such mark from the individual4 7#b7 ,treatment of individuals unable to meet requirement ,if an individual is unable to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#a71 the ,state shall-- 7,a7 permit the individual to complete all other elements of the online voter registration application2 7,b7 permit the individual to provide a signature at the time the individual requests a ballot in an election 7whether the individual requests the ballot at a polling place or requests the ballot by mail72 and 7,c7 if the individual carries out the steps described in subparagraph 7,a7 and subparagraph 7,b71 ensure that the individual is registered to vote in the ,state4 7#c7 ,notice ,the ,state shall ensure that individuals applying to register to vote online are notified of the requirements of paragraph 7#a7 and of the treatment of individuals unable to meet such requirements1 as described in paragraph 7#b74 7d7 ,confirmation and disposition 7#a7 ,confirmation of receipt 7,a7 ,in general ,upon the online submission of a completed voter registration application by an individual under this section1 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall provide the individual a notice confirming the ,state's receipt of the application and providing instructions on how the individual may check the status of the application4 7,b7 ,method of notification ,the appropriate ,state or local election official shall provide the notice required under subparagraph 7,a7 though the online submission process and-- 7i7 in the case of an individual who has provided the official with an electronic mail address1 by electronic mail2 and 7ii7 at the option of the individual1 by text message4 7#b7 ,notice of disposition 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #g days after the appropriate ,state or local election official has approved or rejected an application submitted by an individual under this section1 the official shall provide the individual a notice of the disposition of the application4 7,b7 ,method of notification ,the appropriate ,state or local election official shall provide the notice required under subparagraph 7,a7 by regular mail and-- 7i7 in the case of an individual who has provided the official with an electronic mail address1 by electronic mail2 and 7ii7 at the option of the individual1 by text message4 7e7 ,provision of ,services in ,nonpartisan ,manner ,the services made available under subsection 7a7 shall be provided in a manner that ensures that1 consistent with section #g7;a77#e7-- 7#a7 the online application does not seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration2 and 7#b7 there is no display on the website promoting any political preference or party allegiance1 except that nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prohibit an applicant from registering to vote as a member of a political party4 7f7 ,protection of ,security of ,information ,in meeting the requirements of this section1 the ,state shall establish appropriate technological security measures to prevent to the greatest extent practicable any unauthorized access to information provided by individuals using the services made available under subsection 7a74 7g7 ,accessibility of services ,a ,state shall ensure that the services made available under this section are made available to individuals with disabilities to the same extent as services are made available to all other individuals4 7h7 ,nondiscrimination among registered voters using mail and online registration ,in carrying out this ,act1 the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb1 or any other ,federal1 ,state1 or local law governing the treatment of registered voters in the ,state or the administration of elections for public office in the ,state1 a ,state shall treat a registered voter who registered to vote online in accordance with this section in the same manner as the ,state treats a registered voter who registered to vote by mail4 4 7b7 ,special requirements for individuals using online registration 7#a7 ,treatment as individuals registering to vote by mail for purposes of first-time voter identification requirements ,section #cjc7;b77#a77;,a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;b77#a77;,a77 is amended by striking by mail and inserting by mail or online under section #f;,a of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic4 7#b7 ,requiring signature for first-time voters in jurisdiction ,section #cjc7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;b77 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#e7 as paragraph 7#f72 and 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#d7 the following new paragraph3 7#e7 ,signature requirements for first-time voters using online registration 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,state shall1 in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner1 require an individual to meet the requirements of subparagraph 7,b7 if-- 7i7 the individual registered to vote in the ,state online under section #f;,a of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic2 and 7ii7 the individual has not previously voted in an election for ,federal office in the ,state4 7,b7 ,requirements ,an individual meets the requirements of this subparagraph if-- 7i7 in the case of an individual who votes in person1 the individual provides the appropriate ,state or local election official with a handwritten signature2 or 7ii7 in the case of an individual who votes by mail1 the individual submits with the ballot a handwritten signature4 7,c7 ,inapplicability ,subparagraph 7,a7 does not apply in the case of an individual who is-- 7i7 entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb et seq472 7ii7 provided the right to vote otherwise than in person under section #c7;b77#b77;,b77ii7 of the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjajb7;b77#b77;,b77ii772 or 7iii7 entitled to vote otherwise than in person under any other ,federal law4 4 7#c7 ,conforming amendment relating to effective date ,section #cjc7;d77#b77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;d77#b77;,a77 is amended by striking ,each ,state and inserting ,except as provided in subsection 7b77#e71 each ,state4 7c7 ,conforming ,amendments 7#a7 ,timing of registration ,section #h7;a77#a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,c72 7,b7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,d7 as subparagraph 7,e72 and 7,c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,c7 the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 in the case of online registration through the official public website of an election official under section #f;,a1 if the valid voter registration application is submitted online not later than the lesser of #bh days1 or the period provided by ,state law1 before the date of the election 7as determined by treating the date on which the application is sent electronically as the date on which it is submitted72 and 4 7#b7 ,informing applicants of eligibility requirements and penalties ,section #h7;a77#e7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a77#e77 is amended by striking and #g and inserting #f;,a1 and #g4 #ajb4 ,use of internet to update registration information 7a7 ,in ,general 7#a7 ,updates to information contained on computerized statewide voter registration list ,section #cjc7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#f7 ,use of ,internet by registered voters to update information 7,a7 ,in general ,the appropriate ,state or local election official shall ensure that any registered voter on the computerized list may at any time update the voter's registration information1 including the voter's address and electronic mail address1 online through the official public website of the election official responsible for the maintenance of the list1 so long as the voter attests to the contents of the update by providing a signature in electronic form in the same manner required under section #f;,a7c7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic4 7,b7 ,processing of updated information by election officials ,if a registered voter updates registration information under subparagraph 7,a71 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall-- 7i7 revise any information on the computerized list to reflect the update made by the voter2 and 7ii7 if the updated registration information affects the voter's eligibility to vote in an election for ,federal office1 ensure that the information is processed with respect to the election if the voter updates the information not later than the lesser of #g days1 or the period provided by ,state law1 before the date of the election4 7,c7 ,confirmation and disposition 7i7 ,confirmation of receipt ,upon the online submission of updated registration information by an individual under this paragraph1 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall send the individual a notice confirming the ,state's receipt of the updated information and providing instructions on how the individual may check the status of the update4 7ii7 ,notice of disposition ,not later than #g days after the appropriate ,state or local election official has accepted or rejected updated information submitted by an individual under this paragraph1 the official shall send the individual a notice of the disposition of the update4 7iii7 ,method of notification ,the appropriate ,state or local election official shall send the notices required under this subparagraph by regular mail and-- 7,i7 in the case of an individual who has requested that the ,state provide voter registration and voting information through electronic mail1 by electronic mail2 and 7,,ii7 at the option of the individual1 by text message4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment relating to effective date ,section #cjc7;d77#a77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;d77#a77;,a77 is amended by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting subparagraph 7,b7 and subsection 7a77#f74 7b7 ,ability of registrant ,to use online update ,to provide information on residence ,section #h7;d77#b77;,a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;d77#b77;,a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the first sentence1 by inserting after return the card the following3 or update the registrant's information on the computerized ,statewide voter registration list using the online method provided under section #cjc7;a77#f7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb2 and 7#b7 in the second sentence1 by striking returned1 and inserting the following3 returned or if the registrant does not update the registrant's information on the computerized ,statewide voter registration list using such online method14 #ajc4 ,provision of election information by electronic mail to individuals registered to vote 7a7 ,including ,option on ,voter ,registration ,application ,to ,provide ,email ,address and ,receive ,information 7#a7 ,in general ,section #i7;b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejh7;b77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#c72 7,b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#d7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 shall include a space for the applicant to provide 7at the applicant's option7 an electronic mail address1 together with a statement that1 if the applicant so requests1 instead of using regular mail the appropriate ,state and local election officials shall provide to the applicant1 through electronic mail sent to that address1 the same voting information 7as defined in section #cjb7;b77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb7 which the officials would provide to the applicant through regular mail4 4 7#b7 ,prohibiting use for purposes unrelated to official duties of election officials ,section #i of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejh7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,prohibiting use of electronic mail addresses for other than official purposes ,the chief ,state election official shall ensure that any electronic mail address provided by an applicant under subsection 7b77#e7 is used only for purposes of carrying out official duties of election officials and is not transmitted by any ,state or local election official 7or any agent of such an official1 including a contractor7 to any person who does not require the address to carry out such official duties and who is not under the direct supervision and control of a ,state or local election official4 4 7b7 ,requiring ,provision of ,information by ,election ,officials ,section #cjb7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,provision of other information by electronic mail ,if an individual who is a registered voter has provided the ,state or local election official with an electronic mail address for the purpose of receiving voting information 7as described in section #i7;b77#e7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic71 the appropriate ,state or local election official1 through electronic mail transmitted not later than #g days before the date of the election for ,federal office involved1 shall provide the individual with information on how to obtain the following information by electronic means3 7,a7 ,the name and address of the polling place at which the individual is assigned to vote in the election4 7,b7 ,the hours of operation for the polling place4 7,c7 ,a description of any identification or other information the individual may be required to present at the polling place4 4 #ajd4 ,clarification of requirement regarding necessary information ,to show eligibility to vote ,section #h of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7j7 as subsection 7k72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7i7 the following new subsection3 7j7 ,requirement for ,state ,to ,register ,applicants ,providing ,necessary ,information ,to ,show ,eligibility ,to ,vote ,for purposes meeting the requirement of subsection 7a77#a7 that an eligible applicant is registered to vote in an election for ,federal office within the deadlines required under such subsection1 the ,state shall consider an applicant to have provided a valid voter registration form if-- 7#a7 the applicant has substantially completed the application form and attested to the statement required by section #i7;b77#b72 and 7#b7 in the case of an applicant who registers to vote online in accordance with section #f;,a1 the applicant provides a signature in accordance with subsection 7c7 of such section4 4 #aje4 ,prohibiting ,state from requiring applicants to provide more than last #d digits of ,social ,security number 7a7 ,form included with application for motor vehicle driver's license ,section #e7;c77#b77;,b77ii7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejd7;c77#b77;,b77ii77 is amended by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting the following3 1 and to the extent that the application requires the applicant to provide a ,social ,security number1 may not require the applicant to provide more than the last #d digits of such number24 7b7 ,national mail voter registration form ,section #i7;b77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejh7;b77#a77 is amended by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting the following3 1 and to the extent that the form requires the applicant to provide a ,social ,security number1 the form may not require the applicant to provide more than the last #d digits of such number24 #ajf4 ,application of rules to certain exempt ,states ,section #d of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejc7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,application of ,internet voter registration rules ,notwithstanding subsection 7b71 the following provisions shall apply to a ,state described in paragraph 7#b7 thereof3 7#a7 ,section #f;,a 7as added by section #ajja7;a7 of the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjba74 7#b7 ,section #h7;a77#a77;,d7 7as added by section #ajja7;c77#a7 of the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjba74 7#c7 ,section #h7;a77#e7 7as amended by section #ajja7;c77#b7 of ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjba71 but only to the extent such provision relates to section #f;,a4 7#d7 ,section #h7;j7 7as added by section #ajjd of the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjba71 but only to the extent such provision relates to section #f;,a4 4 #ajg4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in ,general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 the amendments made by this subtitle 7other than the amendments made by section #ajd7 shall take effect ,january #a1 #bjbe4 7b7 ,waiver ,subject to the approval of the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 if a ,state certifies to the ,election ,assistance ,commission that the ,state will not meet the deadline referred to in subsection 7a7 because of extraordinary circumstances and includes in the certification the reasons for the failure to meet the deadline1 subsection 7a7 shall apply to the ,state as if the reference in such subsection to ,january #a1 #bjbe were a reference to ,january #a1 #bjbg4 ,b ,automatic ,voter ,registration #aaa4 ,short title2 findings and purpose 7a7 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,automatic ,voter ,registration ,act of #bjbd4 7b7 ,findings and purpose 7#a7 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7,a7 the right to vote is a fundamental right of citizens of the ,united ,states2 7,b7 it is the responsibility of the ,state and ,federal ,governments to ensure that every eligible citizen is registered to vote2 7,c7 existing voter registration systems can be inaccurate1 costly1 inaccessible and confusing1 with damaging effects on voter participation in elections for ,federal office and disproportionate impacts on young people1 persons with disabilities1 and racial and ethnic minorities2 and 7,d7 voter registration systems must be updated with #bast century technologies and procedures to maintain their security4 7#b7 ,purpose ,it is the purpose of this subtitle-- 7,a7 to establish that it is the responsibility of government at every level to ensure that all eligible citizens are registered to vote in elections for ,federal office2 7,b7 to enable the ,state and ,federal ,governments to register all eligible citizens to vote with accurate1 cost-efficient1 and up-to-date procedures2 7,c7 to modernize voter registration and list maintenance procedures with electronic and internet capabilities2 and 7,d7 to protect and enhance the integrity1 accuracy1 efficiency1 and accessibility of the electoral process for all eligible citizens4 #aab4 ,automatic registration of eligible individuals 7a7 ,requiring ,states ,to establish and operate automatic registration system 7#a7 ,in general ,the chief ,state election official of each ,state shall establish and operate a system of automatic registration for the registration of eligible individuals to vote for elections for ,federal office in the ,state1 in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle4 7#b7 ,definition ,the term automatic registration means a system that registers an individual to vote in elections for ,federal office in a ,state1 if eligible1 by electronically transferring the information necessary for registration from government agencies to election officials of the ,state so that1 unless the individual affirmatively declines to be registered1 the individual will be registered to vote in such elections4 7b7 ,registration of voters based on new agency records ,the chief ,state election official shall-- 7#a7 not later than #ae days after a contributing agency has transmitted information with respect to an individual pursuant to section #aac1 ensure that the individual is registered to vote in elections for ,federal office in the ,state if the individual is eligible to be registered to vote in such elections2 and 7#b7 not later than #abj days after a contributing agency has transmitted such information with respect to the individual1 send written notice to the individual1 in addition to other means of notice established by this subtitle1 of the individual's voter registration status4 7c7 ,one-,time registration of voters based on existing contributing agency records ,the chief ,state election official shall-- 7#a7 identify all individuals whose information is transmitted by a contributing agency pursuant to section #aad and who are eligible to be1 but are not currently1 registered to vote in that ,state2 7#b7 promptly send each such individual written notice1 in addition to other means of notice established by this subtitle1 which shall not identify the contributing agency that transmitted the information but shall include-- 7,a7 an explanation that voter registration is voluntary1 but if the individual does not decline registration1 the individual will be registered to vote2 7,b7 a statement offering the opportunity to decline voter registration through means consistent with the requirements of this subtitle2 7,c7 in the case of a ,state in which affiliation or enrollment with a political party is required in order to participate in an election to select the party's candidate in an election for ,federal office1 a statement offering the individual the opportunity to affiliate or enroll with a political party or to decline to affiliate or enroll with a political party1 through means consistent with the requirements of this subtitle2 7,d7 the substantive qualifications of an elector in the ,state as listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic1 the consequences of false registration1 and a statement that the individual should decline to register if the individual does not meet all those qualifications2 7,e7 instructions for correcting any erroneous information2 and 7,f7 instructions for providing any additional information which is listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic2 7#c7 ensure that each such individual who is eligible to register to vote in elections for ,federal office in the ,state is promptly registered to vote not later than #de days after the official sends the individual the written notice under paragraph 7#b71 unless1 during the #cj-;day period which begins on the date the election official sends the individual such written notice1 the individual declines registration in writing1 through a communication made over the internet1 or by an officially logged telephone communication2 and 7#d7 send written notice to each such individual1 in addition to other means of notice established by this subtitle1 of the individual's voter registration status4 7d7 ,treatment of individuals under #ah years of age ,a ,state may not refuse to treat an individual as an eligible individual for purposes of this subtitle on the grounds that the individual is less than #ah years of age at the time a contributing agency receives information with respect to the individual1 so long as the individual is at least #af years of age at such time4 ,nothing in the previous sentence may be construed to require a ,state to permit an individual who is under #ah years of age at the time of an election for ,federal office to vote in the election4 7e7 ,contributing agency defined ,in this subtitle1 the term contributing agency means1 with respect to a ,state1 an agency listed in section #aac7;e74 #aac4 ,contributing agency assistance in registration 7a7 ,in general ,in accordance with this subtitle1 each contributing agency in a ,state shall assist the ,state's chief election official in registering to vote all eligible individuals served by that agency4 7b7 ,requirements for contributing agencies 7#a7 ,instructions on automatic registration ,except as otherwise provided in this section1 with each application for service or assistance1 and with each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 or1 in the case of a covered institution of higher education1 upon initial enrollment of an in-,state student1 each contributing agency 7other than a contributing agency described in subsection 7e77#a77;,b77ii77 that 7in the normal course of its operations7 requests individuals to affirm ,united ,states citizenship 7either directly or as part of the overall application for service or assistance or enrollment7 shall inform each such individual who is a citizen of the ,united ,states of the following3 7,a7 ,unless that individual declines to register to vote1 or is found ineligible to vote1 the individual will be registered to vote or1 if applicable1 the individual's registration will be updated4 7,b7 ,the substantive qualifications of an elector in the ,state as listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic1 the consequences of false registration1 and the individual should decline to register if the individual does not meet all those qualifications4 7,c7 ,in the case of a ,state in which affiliation or enrollment with a political party is required in order to participate in an election to select the party's candidate in an election for ,federal office1 the requirement that the individual must affiliate or enroll with a political party in order to participate in such an election4 7,d7 ,voter registration is voluntary1 and neither registering nor declining to register to vote will in any way affect the availability of services or benefits1 nor be used for other purposes4 7#b7 ,opportunity to decline registration required ,except as otherwise provided in this section1 each contributing agency shall ensure that each application for service or assistance1 and each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 cannot be completed until the individual is given the opportunity to decline to be registered to vote4 7#c7 ,information transmittal ,upon the expiration of the #cj-;day period which begins on the date a contributing agency as described in paragraph 7#a7 informs an individual of the information described in such paragraph1 unless the individual has declined to be registered to vote or informs the agency that they are already registered to vote1 each contributing agency shall electronically transmit to the appropriate ,state election official1 in a format compatible with the statewide voter database maintained under section #cjc of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc71 the following information3 7,a7 ,the individual's given name7s7 and surname7s74 7,b7 ,the individual's date of birth4 7,c7 ,the individual's residential address4 7,d7 ,information showing that the individual is a citizen of the ,united ,states4 7,e7 ,the date on which information pertaining to that individual was collected or last updated4 7,f7 ,if available1 the individual's signature in electronic form4 7,g7 ,except in the case in which the contributing agency is a covered institution of higher education1 in the case of a ,state in which affiliation or enrollment with a political party is required in order to participate in an election to select the party's candidate in an election for ,federal office1 information regarding the individual's affiliation or enrollment with a political party1 but only if the individual provides such information4 7,h7 ,any additional information listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic1 including any valid driver's license number or the last #d digits of the individual's ,social ,security number1 if the individual provided such information4 7c7 ,alternate procedure for certain contributing agencies 7#a7 ,in general ,with each application for service or assistance1 and with each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 a contributing agency described in paragraph 7#b7 shall-- 7,a7 complete the requirements of section #g7;a77#f7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejf7;a77#f772 7,b7 ensure that each applicant's transaction with the agency cannot be completed until the applicant has indicated whether the applicant wishes to register to vote or declines to register to vote in elections for ,federal office held in the ,state2 and 7,c7 for each individual who wishes to register to vote1 transmit that individual's information in accordance with subsection 7b77#c74 7#b7 ,contributing agencies described ,the following contributing agencies are described in this paragraph3 7,a7 ,any contributing agency 7other than a contributing agency that is a covered institution of higher education7 that in the normal course of its operations does not request individuals applying for service or assistance to affirm ,united ,states citizenship 7either directly or as part of the overall application for service or assistance74 7,b7 ,a contributing agency described in subsection 7e77#a77;,b77ii74 7d7 ,required availability of automatic registration opportunity with each application for service or assistance ,each contributing agency shall offer each individual1 with each application for service or assistance1 and with each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 or in the case of an institution of higher education1 upon initial enrollment of a student1 the opportunity to register to vote as prescribed by this section without regard to whether the individual previously declined a registration opportunity4 7e7 ,contributing agencies 7#a7 ,state agencies ,in each ,state1 each of the following agencies shall be treated as a contributing agency3 7,a7 ,each agency in a ,state that is required by ,federal law to provide voter registration services1 including the ,state motor vehicle authority and other voter registration agencies under the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic4 7,b7 ,each agency in a ,state that administers a program pursuant to-- 7i7 title ,,iii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eja et seq472 7ii7 title ,,xix of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif et seq472 or 7iii7 the ,patient ,protection and ,affordable ,care ,act 7,public ,law #aaa-adh74 7,c7 ,each ,state agency primarily responsible for regulating the private possession of firearms4 7,d7 ,each ,state agency primarily responsible for maintaining identifying information for students enrolled at public secondary schools1 including1 where applicable1 the ,state agency responsible for maintaining the education data system described in section #fbja7;e77#b7 of the ,america ,,competes ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ihga7;e77#b774 7,e7 ,in the case of a ,state in which an individual disenfranchised by a criminal conviction may become eligible to vote upon completion of a criminal sentence or any part thereof1 or upon formal restoration of rights1 the ,state agency responsible for administering that sentence1 or part thereof1 or that restoration of rights4 7,f7 ,any other agency of the ,state which is designated by the ,state as a contributing agency4 7#b7 ,federal agencies ,in each ,state1 each of the following agencies of the ,federal ,government shall be treated as a contributing agency with respect to individuals who are residents of that ,state 7except as provided in subparagraph 7,c773 7,a7 ,the ,social ,security ,administration1 the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,defense ,manpower ,data ,center of the ,department of ,defense1 the ,employee and ,training ,administration of the ,department of ,labor1 and the ,center for ,medicare ,medicaid ,services of the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services4 7,b7 ,the ,bureau of ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services1 but only with respect to individuals who have completed the naturalization process4 7,c7 ,in the case of an individual who is a resident of a ,state in which an individual disenfranchised by a criminal conviction under ,federal law may become eligible to vote upon completion of a criminal sentence or any part thereof1 or upon formal restoration of rights1 the ,federal agency responsible for administering that sentence or part thereof 7without regard to whether the agency is located in the same ,state in which the individual is a resident71 but only with respect to individuals who have completed the criminal sentence or any part thereof4 7,d7 ,any other agency of the ,federal government which the ,state designates as a contributing agency1 but only if the ,state and the head of the agency determine that the agency collects information sufficient to carry out the responsibilities of a contributing agency under this section4 7#c7 ,institutions of higher education 7,a7 ,in general ,each covered institution of higher education shall be treated as a contributing agency in the ,state in which the institution is located with respect to in-,state students4 7,b7 ,procedures for institutions of higher education ,notwithstanding section #ddd of the ,general ,education ,provisions ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #abcb;g2 commonly referred to as the ,family ,educational ,rights and ,privacy ,act of #aigd7 or any other provision of law1 each covered institution of higher education shall comply with the requirements of subsection 7b7 with respect to each in-,state student4 ,in complying with such requirements1 an institution of higher education-- 7i7 may use information provided in the ,free ,application for ,federal ,student ,aid described in section #dhc of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4#ajij7 to collect information described in paragraph 7#c7 of such subsection 7b7 for purposes of transmitting such information to the appropriate ,state election official pursuant to such paragraph2 7ii7 shall not be required to prevent or delay students from enrolling in a course of study or otherwise impede the completion of the enrollment process2 7iii7 shall not request information on the affiliation or enrollment with a political party of a student in accordance with subsection 7b77#c77;,g72 and 7iv7 shall not withhold1 delay1 or impede the provision of ,federal financial aid provided under title ,,iv of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajgj et seq474 7,c7 ,clarification ,nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to require an institution of higher education to request each student affirm whether or not the student is a ,united ,states citizen or otherwise collect information with respect to citizenship4 7#d7 ,publication ,not later than #ahj days prior to the date of each election for ,federal office held in the ,state1 the chief ,state election official shall publish on the public website of the official an updated list of all contributing agencies in that ,state4 7#e7 ,public education ,the chief ,state election official of each ,state1 in collaboration with each contributing agency1 shall take appropriate measures to educate the public about voter registration under this section4 7#f7 ,permitting ,state medicaid agencies to share information with election officials for voter registration purposes ,section #aijb7;a77#g77;,a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif;a7a77#g77;,a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in clause 7i71 by striking 2 and and inserting a semicolon2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new clause3 7iii7 the provision to an appropriate ,state election official1 in accordance with subsection 7c7 of section #aac of the ,automatic ,voter ,registration ,act of #bjba1 of information described in subsection 7b77#c7 of such section with respect to an applicant or recipient2 and 4 7f7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,covered institution of higher education ,the term covered institution of higher education means an institution of higher education that-- 7,a7 has a program participation agreement in effect with the ,secretary of ,education under section #dhg of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajid72 and 7,b7 is located in a ,state to which section #d7;b77#a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejc7;b77#a77 does not apply4 7#b7 ,in-state student ,the term in-,state student-- 7,a7 means a student enrolled in a covered institution of higher education who1 for purposes related to in-,state tuition1 financial aid eligibility1 or other similar purposes1 resides in the ,state2 and 7,b7 includes a student described in subparagraph 7,a7 who is enrolled in a program of distance education1 as defined in section #ajc of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjc74 #aad4 ,one-time contributing agency assistance in registration of eligible voters in existing records 7a7 ,initial transmittal of information ,for each individual already listed in a contributing agency's records as of the date of enactment of this ,act1 and for whom the agency has the information listed in section #aac7;b77#c71 the agency shall promptly transmit that information to the appropriate ,state election official in accordance with section #aac7;b77#c7 not later than the effective date described in section #aba7;a74 7b7 ,transition ,for each individual listed in a contributing agency's records as of the effective date described in section #aba7;a7 7but who was not listed in a contributing agency's records as of the date of enactment of this ,act71 and for whom the agency has the information listed in section #aac7;b77#c71 the ,agency shall promptly transmit that information to the appropriate ,state election official in accordance with section #aac7;b77#c7 not later than #f months after the effective date described in section #aba7;a74 #aae4 ,voter protection and security in automatic registration 7a7 ,protections for errors in registration ,an individual shall not be prosecuted under any ,federal or ,state law1 adversely affected in any civil adjudication concerning immigration status or naturalization1 or subject to an allegation in any legal proceeding that the individual is not a citizen of the ,united ,states on any of the following grounds3 7#a7 ,the individual notified an election office of the individual's automatic registration to vote under this subtitle4 7#b7 ,the individual is not eligible to vote in elections for ,federal office but was automatically registered to vote under this subtitle4 7#c7 ,the individual was automatically registered to vote under this subtitle at an incorrect address4 7#d7 ,the individual declined the opportunity to register to vote or did not make an affirmation of citizenship1 including through automatic registration1 under this subtitle4 7b7 ,limits on use of automatic registration ,the automatic registration of any individual or the fact that an individual declined the opportunity to register to vote or did not make an affirmation of citizenship 7including through automatic registration7 under this subtitle may not be used as evidence against that individual in any ,state or ,federal law enforcement proceeding1 and an individual's lack of knowledge or willfulness of such registration may be demonstrated by the individual's testimony alone4 7c7 ,protection of election integrity ,nothing in subsections 7a7 or 7b7 may be construed to prohibit or restrict any action under color of law against an individual who-- 7#a7 knowingly and willfully makes a false statement to effectuate or perpetuate automatic voter registration by any individual2 or 7#b7 casts a ballot knowingly and willfully in violation of ,state law or the laws of the ,united ,states4 7d7 ,contributing agencies' protection of information ,nothing in this subtitle authorizes a contributing agency to collect1 retain1 transmit1 or publicly disclose any of the following3 7#a7 ,an individual's decision to decline to register to vote or not to register to vote4 7#b7 ,an individual's decision not to affirm his or her citizenship4 7#c7 ,any information that a contributing agency transmits pursuant to section #aac7;b77#c71 except in pursuing the agency's ordinary course of business4 7e7 ,election officials' protection of information 7#a7 ,public disclosure prohibited 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 with respect to any individual for whom any ,state election official receives information from a contributing agency1 the ,state election officials shall not publicly disclose any of the following3 7i7 ,the identity of the contributing agency4 7ii7 ,any information not necessary to voter registration4 7iii7 ,any voter information otherwise shielded from disclosure under ,state law or section #h7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a774 7iv7 ,any portion of the individual's ,social ,security number4 7v7 ,any portion of the individual's motor vehicle driver's license number4 7vi7 ,the individual's signature4 7vii7 ,the individual's telephone number4 7viii7 ,the individual's email address4 7,b7 ,special rule for individuals registered to vote ,with respect to any individual for whom any ,state election official receives information from a contributing agency and who1 on the basis of such information1 is registered to vote in the ,state under this subtitle1 the ,state election officials shall not publicly disclose any of the following3 7i7 ,the identity of the contributing agency4 7ii7 ,any information not necessary to voter registration4 7iii7 ,any voter information otherwise shielded from disclosure under ,state law or section #h7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a774 7iv7 ,any portion of the individual's ,social ,security number4 7v7 ,any portion of the individual's motor vehicle driver's license number4 7vi7 ,the individual's signature4 7#b7 ,voter record changes ,each ,state shall maintain for at least #b years and shall make available for public inspection 7and1 where available1 photocopying at a reasonable cost71 including in electronic form and through electronic methods1 all records of changes to voter records1 including removals1 the reasons for removals1 and updates4 7#c7 ,database management standards ,the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology shall1 after providing the public with notice and the opportunity to comment-- 7,a7 establish standards governing the comparison of data for voter registration list maintenance purposes1 identifying as part of such standards the specific data elements1 the matching rules used1 and how a ,state may use the data to determine and deem that an individual is ineligible under ,state law to vote in an election1 or to deem a record to be a duplicate or outdated2 7,b7 ensure that the standards developed pursuant to this paragraph are uniform and nondiscriminatory and are applied in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner2 and 7,c7 not later than #de days after the deadline for public notice and comment1 publish the standards developed pursuant to this paragraph on the ,director's website and make those standards available in written form upon request4 7#d7 ,security policy ,the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology shall1 after providing the public with notice and the opportunity to comment1 publish privacy and security standards for voter registration information not later than #de days after the deadline for public notice and comment4 ,the standards shall require the chief ,state election official of each ,state to adopt a policy that shall specify-- 7,a7 each class of users who shall have authorized access to the computerized statewide voter registration list1 specifying for each class the permission and levels of access to be granted1 and setting forth other safeguards to protect the privacy1 security1 and accuracy of the information on the list2 and 7,b7 security safeguards to protect personal information transmitted through the information transmittal processes of section #aac or section #aad1 the online system used pursuant to section #f;,a of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7as added by section #aja71 any telephone interface1 the maintenance of the voter registration database1 and any audit procedure to track access to the system4 7#e7 ,state compliance with national standards 7,a7 ,certification ,the chief executive officer of the ,state shall annually file with the ,election ,assistance ,commission a statement certifying to the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology that the ,state is in compliance with the standards referred to in paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d74 ,a ,state may meet the requirement of the previous sentence by filing with the ,commission a statement which reads as follows3 hereby certifies that it is in compliance with the standards referred to in paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d7 of section #aae7;e7 of the ,automatic ,voter ,registration ,act of #bjba4 7with the blank to be filled in with the name of the ,state involved74 7,b7 ,publication of policies and procedures ,the chief ,state election official of a ,state shall publish on the official's website the policies and procedures established under this section1 and shall make those policies and procedures available in written form upon public request4 7,c7 ,funding dependent on certification ,if a ,state does not timely file the certification required under this paragraph1 it shall not receive any payment under this subtitle for the upcoming fiscal year4 7,d7 ,compliance of ,states that require changes to ,state law ,in the case of a ,state that requires ,state legislation to carry out an activity covered by any certification submitted under this paragraph1 for a period of not more than #b years the ,state shall be permitted to make the certification notwithstanding that the legislation has not been enacted at the time the certification is submitted1 and such ,state shall submit an additional certification once such legislation is enacted4 7f7 ,restrictions on use of information ,no person acting under color of law may discriminate against any individual based on1 or use for any purpose other than voter registration1 election administration1 or enforcement relating to election crimes1 any of the following3 7#a7 ,voter registration records4 7#b7 ,an individual's declination to register to vote or complete an affirmation of citizenship under section #aac7;b74 7#c7 ,an individual's voter registration status4 7g7 ,prohibition on the use of voter registration information for commercial purposes ,information collected under this subtitle shall not be used for commercial purposes4 ,nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit the transmission1 exchange1 or dissemination of information for political purposes1 including the support of campaigns for election for ,federal1 ,state1 or local public office or the activities of political committees 7including committees of political parties7 under the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 #aaf4 ,registration portability and correction 7a7 ,correcting registration information at polling place ,notwithstanding section #cjb7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;a771 if an individual is registered to vote in elections for ,federal office held in a ,state1 the appropriate election official at the polling place for any such election 7including a location used as a polling place on a date other than the date of the election7 shall permit the individual to-- 7#a7 update the individual's address for purposes of the records of the election official2 7#b7 correct any incorrect information relating to the individual1 including the individual's name and political party affiliation1 in the records of the election official2 and 7#c7 cast a ballot in the election on the basis of the updated address or corrected information1 and to have the ballot treated as a regular ballot and not as a provisional ballot under section #cjb7;a7 of such ,act4 7b7 ,updates to computerized ,statewide voter registration lists ,if an election official at the polling place receives an updated address or corrected information from an individual under subsection 7a71 the official shall ensure that the address or information is promptly entered into the computerized ,statewide voter registration list in accordance with section #cjc7;a77#a77;,a77vi7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;a77#a77;,a77vi774 #aag4 ,payments and grants 7a7 ,in general ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall make grants to each eligible ,state to assist the ,state in implementing the requirements of this subtitle 7or1 in the case of an exempt ,state1 in implementing its existing automatic voter registration program74 7b7 ,eligibility2 application ,a ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this section if the ,state submits to the ,commission1 at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require1 an application containing-- 7#a7 a description of the activities the ,state will carry out with the grant2 7#b7 an assurance that the ,state shall carry out such activities without partisan bias and without promoting any particular point of view regarding any issue2 and 7#c7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7c7 ,amount of grant2 priorities ,the ,commission shall determine the amount of a grant made to an eligible ,state under this section4 ,in determining the amounts of the grants1 the ,commission shall give priority to providing funds for those activities which are most likely to accelerate compliance with the requirements of this subtitle 7or1 in the case of an exempt ,state1 which are most likely to enhance the ability of the ,state to automatically register individuals to vote through its existing automatic voter registration program71 including-- 7#a7 investments supporting electronic information transfer1 including electronic collection and transfer of signatures1 between contributing agencies and the appropriate ,state election officials2 7#b7 updates to online or electronic voter registration systems already operating as of the date of the enactment of this ,act2 7#c7 introduction of online voter registration systems in jurisdictions in which those systems did not previously exist2 and 7#d7 public education on the availability of new methods of registering to vote1 updating registration1 and correcting registration4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section-- 7,a7 #ejj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbe2 and 7,b7 such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year4 7#b7 ,continuing availability of funds ,any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority of this subsection shall remain available without fiscal year limitation until expended4 #aah4 ,treatment of exempt ,states 7a7 ,waiver of requirements ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 this subtitle does not apply with respect to an exempt ,state4 7b7 ,exceptions ,the following provisions of this subtitle apply with respect to an exempt ,state3 7#a7 ,section #aaf 7relating to registration portability and correction74 7#b7 ,section #aag 7relating to payments and grants74 7#c7 ,section #aai7;e7 7relating to enforcement74 7#d7 ,section #aai7;f7 7relating to relation to other laws74 #aai4 ,miscellaneous provisions 7a7 ,accessibility of registration services ,each contributing agency shall ensure that the services it provides under this subtitle are made available to individuals with disabilities to the same extent as services are made available to all other individuals4 7b7 ,transmission through secure third party permitted ,nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to prevent a contributing agency from contracting with a third party to assist the agency in meeting the information transmittal requirements of this subtitle1 so long as the data transmittal complies with the applicable requirements of this subtitle1 including the privacy and security provisions of section #aae4 7c7 ,nonpartisan1 nondiscriminatory provision of services ,the services made available by contributing agencies under this subtitle and by the ,state under sections #aae and #aaf shall be made in a manner consistent with paragraphs 7#d71 7#e71 and 7#f77;,c7 of section #g7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejf7;a774 7d7 ,notices ,each ,state may send notices under this subtitle via electronic mail if the individual has provided an electronic mail address and consented to electronic mail communications for election-related materials4 ,all notices sent pursuant to this subtitle that require a response must offer the individual notified the opportunity to respond at no cost to the individual4 7e7 ,enforcement ,section #aa of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeaj71 relating to civil enforcement and the availability of private rights of action1 shall apply with respect to this subtitle in the same manner as such section applies to such ,act4 7f7 ,relation to other laws ,except as provided1 nothing in this subtitle may be construed to authorize or require conduct prohibited under1 or to supersede1 restrict1 or limit the application of any of the following3 7#a7 ,the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq474 7#b7 ,the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq474 7#c7 ,the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq474 7#d7 ,the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjija et seq474 #abj4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the term chief ,state election official means1 with respect to a ,state1 the individual designated by the ,state under section #aj of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeji7 to be responsible for coordination of the ,state's responsibilities under such ,act4 7#b7 ,the term ,commission means the ,election ,assistance ,commission4 7#c7 ,the term exempt ,state means a ,state which1 under law which is in effect continuously on and after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 operates a system of automatic registration 7as defined in section #aab7;a77#b77 at the motor vehicle authority of the ,state or a ,permanent ,dividend ,fund of the ,state under which an individual is provided the opportunity to decline registration during the transaction or by way of a notice sent by mail or electronically after the transaction4 7#d7 ,the term ,state means each of the several ,states and the ,district of ,columbia4 #aba4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to a ,state beginning ,january #a1 #bjbf4 7b7 ,waiver ,subject to the approval of the ,commission1 if a ,state certifies to the ,commission that the ,state will not meet the deadline referred to in subsection 7a7 because of extraordinary circumstances and includes in the certification the reasons for the failure to meet the deadline1 subsection 7a7 shall apply to the ,state as if the reference in such subsection to ,january #a1 #bjbf were a reference to ,january #a1 #bjbh4 ,c ,same ,day ,voter ,registration #aca4 ,same day registration 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjd and #cje as sections #cje and #cjf1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjc the following new section3 #cjd4 ,same day registration 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,registration ,each ,state shall permit any eligible individual on the day of a ,federal election and on any day when voting1 including early voting1 is permitted for a ,federal election-- 7,a7 to register to vote in such election at the polling place using a form that meets the requirements under section #i7;b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7or1 if the individual is already registered to vote1 to revise any of the individual's voter registration information72 and 7,b7 to cast a vote in such election4 7#b7 ,exception ,the requirements under paragraph 7#a7 shall not apply to a ,state in which1 under a ,state law in effect continuously on and after the date of the enactment of this section1 there is no voter registration requirement for individuals in the ,state with respect to elections for ,federal office4 7b7 ,eligible individual ,for purposes of this section1 the term eligible individual means1 with respect to any election for ,federal office1 an individual who is otherwise qualified to vote in that election4 7c7 ,effective date ,each ,state shall be required to comply with the requirements of subsection 7a7 for the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office occurring in ,november #bjbf and for any subsequent election for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to enforcement ,section #dja of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaaa7 is amended by striking sections #cja1 #cjb1 and #cjc and inserting subtitle ,a of title ,,iii4 7c7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cjd and #cje as relating to sections #cje and #cjf1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjc the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,same day registration4 4 ,d ,conditions on ,removal on ,basis of ,interstate ,cross-,checks #ada4 ,conditions on removal of registrants from official list of eligible voters on basis of interstate cross-,checks 7a7 ,minimum information required for removal under cross-,check ,section #h7;c77#b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;c77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,b7 as subparagraph 7,d72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following new subparagraphs3 7,b7 ,to the extent that the program carried out by a ,state under subparagraph 7,a7 to systematically remove the names of ineligible voters from the official lists of eligible voters uses information obtained in an interstate cross-check1 in addition to any other conditions imposed under this ,act on the authority of the ,state to remove the name of the voter from such a list1 the ,state may not remove the name of the voter from such a list unless-- 7i7 the ,state obtained the voter's full name 7including the voter's middle name1 if any7 and date of birth1 and the last #d digits of the voter's ,social ,security number1 in the interstate cross-check2 or 7ii7 the ,state obtained documentation from the ,,eric system that the voter is no longer a resident of the ,state4 7,c7 ,in this paragraph-- 7i7 the term interstate cross-check means the transmission of information from an election official in one ,state to an election official of another ,state2 and 7ii7 the term ,,eric system means the system operated by the ,electronic ,registration ,information ,center to share voter registration information and voter identification information among participating ,states4 4 7b7 ,requiring completion of cross-,checks not later than #f months prior to election ,subparagraph 7,a7 of section #h7;c77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;c77#b77 is amended by striking not later than #ij days and inserting the following3 not later than #ij days 7or1 in the case of a program in which the ,state uses interstate cross-checks1 not later than #f months74 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,subparagraph 7,d7 of section #h7;c77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;c77#b771 as redesignated by subsection 7a77#a71 is amended by striking ,subparagraph 7,a7 and inserting ,this paragraph4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this ,act shall apply with respect to elections held on or after the expiration of the #f-month period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,e ,other ,initiatives ,to ,promote ,voter ,registration #aea4 ,biennial reports on voter registration statistics 7a7 ,annual report ,not later than #ij days after the end of each even-numbered year1 each ,state shall submit to the ,election ,assistance ,commission a report containing the following categories of information for the preceding #b years3 7#a7 ,the number of individuals who were registered under subtitle ,b4 7#b7 ,the number of voter registration application forms completed by individuals that were transmitted by motor vehicle authorities in the ,state 7pursuant to section #e7;d7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic7 and voter registration agencies in the ,state 7as designated under section #g of such ,act7 to the chief ,state election official of the ,state1 broken down by each such authority and agency4 7#c7 ,the number of such individuals whose voter registration application forms were accepted and who were registered to vote in the ,state and the number of such individuals whose forms were rejected and who were not registered to vote in the ,state1 broken down by each such authority and agency4 7#d7 ,the number of change of address forms and other forms of information indicating that an individual's identifying information has been changed that were transmitted by such motor vehicle authorities and voter registration agencies to the chief ,state election official of the ,state1 broken down by each such authority and agency and the type of form transmitted4 7#e7 ,the number of individuals on the ,statewide computerized voter registration list 7as established and maintained under section #cjc of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb7 whose voter registration information was revised by the chief ,state election official as a result of the forms transmitted to the official by such motor vehicle authorities and voter registration agencies 7as described in paragraph 7#c771 broken down by each such authority and agency and the type of form transmitted4 7#f7 ,the number of individuals who requested the chief ,state election official to revise voter registration information on such list1 and the number of individuals whose information was revised as a result of such a request4 7b7 ,breakdown of information ,in preparing the report under this section1 the ,state shall1 for each category of information described in subsection 7a71 include a breakdown by race1 ethnicity1 age1 and gender of the individuals whose information is included in the category1 to the extent that information on the race1 ethnicity1 age1 and gender of such individuals is available to the ,state4 7c7 ,confidentiality of information ,in preparing and submitting a report under this section1 the chief ,state election official shall ensure that no information regarding the identification of any individual is revealed4 7d7 ,submission to ,congress ,not later than #aj days after receiving a report under subsection 7a71 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall transmit such report to ,congress4 7e7 ,state defined ,in this section1 a ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 but does not include any ,state in which1 under a ,state law in effect continuously on and after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 there is no voter registration requirement for individuals in the ,state with respect to elections for ,federal office4 7f7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the ,sense of ,congress that for any ,state participating in the ,election ,administration and ,voting ,survey administered by the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 the ,commission should use the information submitted in the report under subsection 7a7 as part of the ,state's participation in the survey4 #aeb4 ,ensuring pre-election registration deadlines are consistent with timing of legal public holidays 7a7 ,in general ,section #h7;a77#a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a77#a77 is amended by striking #cj days each place it appears and inserting #bh days4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to elections held in #bjbe or any succeeding year4 #aec4 ,use of ,postal ,service hard copy change of address form to remind individuals to update voter registration 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,postmaster ,general shall modify any hard copy change of address form used by the ,united ,states ,postal ,service so that such form contains a reminder that any individual using such form should update the individual's voter registration as a result of any change in address4 7b7 ,application ,the requirement in subsection 7a7 shall not apply to any electronic version of a change of address form used by the ,united ,states ,postal ,service4 #aed4 ,grants to ,states for activities to encourage involvement of minors in election activities 7a7 ,grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission 7hereafter in this section referred to as the ,commission7 shall make grants to eligible ,states to enable such ,states to carry out a plan to increase the involvement of individuals under #ah years of age in public election activities in the ,state4 7#b7 ,contents of plans ,a ,state's plan under this subsection shall include-- 7,a7 methods to promote the use of pre-registration processes2 7,b7 modifications to the curriculum of secondary schools in the ,state to promote civic engagement2 and 7,c7 such other activities to encourage the involvement of young people in the electoral process as the ,state considers appropriate4 7b7 ,eligibility ,a ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this section if the ,state submits to the ,commission1 at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require1 an application containing-- 7#a7 a description of the ,state's plan under subsection 7a72 7#b7 a description of the performance measures and targets the ,state will use to determine its success in carrying out the plan2 and 7#c7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7c7 ,period of grant2 ,report 7#a7 ,period of grant ,a ,state receiving a grant under this section shall use the funds provided by the grant over a #b-year period agreed to between the ,state and the ,commission4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #f months after the end of the #b-year period agreed to under paragraph 7#a71 the ,state shall submit to the ,commission a report on the activities the ,state carried out with the funds provided by the grant1 and shall include in the report an analysis of the extent to which the ,state met the performance measures and targets included in its application under subsection 7b77#b74 7d7 ,state defined ,in this section1 the term ,state means each of the several ,states and the ,district of ,columbia4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this section #be1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 ,f ,availability of ,,hava ,requirements ,payments #afa4 ,availability of requirements payments under ,,hava to cover costs of compliance with new requirements 7a7 ,in ,general ,section #bea7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking as provided in paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 and inserting as otherwise provided in this subsection2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,certain voter registration activities ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#c71 a ,state may use a requirements payment to carry out any of the requirements of the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjbd1 including the requirements of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic which are imposed pursuant to the amendments made to such ,act by the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjbd4 4 7b7 ,conforming ,amendment ,section #bed7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajjd7;a77#a77 is amended by striking section #bea7;a77#b7 and inserting section #bea7;b77#b74 7c7 ,effective ,date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to fiscal year #bjbe and each succeeding fiscal year4 ,g ,prohibiting ,interference ,with ,voter ,registration #aga4 ,prohibiting hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing voter registration 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #bi of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #fab4 ,hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing registering to vote 7a7 ,prohibition ,it shall be unlawful for any person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 to corruptly hinder1 interfere with1 or prevent another person from registering to vote or to corruptly hinder1 interfere with1 or prevent another person from aiding another person in registering to vote4 7b7 ,attempt ,any person who attempts to commit any offense described in subsection 7a7 shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense that the person attempted to commit4 7c7 ,penalty ,any person who violates subsection 7a7 shall be fined under this title1 imprisoned not more than #e years1 or both4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #bi of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code is amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #fab4 ,hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing registering to vote4 4 7c7 ,effective ,date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to elections held on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 except that no person may be found to have violated section #fab of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by subsection 7a771 on the basis of any act occurring prior to the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #agb4 ,establishment of best practices 7a7 ,best practices ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall develop and publish recommendations for best practices for ,states to use to deter and prevent violations of section #fab of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by section #aga71 and section #ab of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeaa7 7relating to the unlawful interference with registering to vote1 or voting1 or attempting to register to vote or vote71 including practices to provide for the posting of relevant information at polling places and voter registration agencies under such ,act1 the training of poll workers and election officials1 and relevant educational materials4 ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7b7 ,inclusion in voter information requirements ,section #cjb7;b77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,e72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,f7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,g7 information relating to the prohibitions of section #fab of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 and section #ab of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeaa7 7relating to the unlawful interference with registering to vote1 or voting1 or attempting to register to vote or vote71 including information on how individuals may report allegations of violations of such prohibitions4 4 ,h ,voter ,registration ,efficiency ,act #aha4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,voter ,registration ,efficiency ,act4 #ahb4 ,requiring applicants for motor vehicle driver's licenses in new ,state to indicate whether ,state serves as residence for voter registration purposes 7a7 ,requirements for applicants for licenses ,section #e7;d7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejd7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,any change and inserting 7#a7 ,any change2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 7,a7 ,a ,state motor vehicle authority shall require each individual applying for a motor vehicle driver's license in the ,state-- 7i7 to indicate whether the individual resides in another ,state or resided in another ,state prior to applying for the license1 and1 if so1 to identify the ,state involved2 and 7ii7 to indicate whether the individual intends for the ,state to serve as the individual's residence for purposes of registering to vote in elections for ,federal office4 7,b7 ,if pursuant to subparagraph 7,a77ii7 an individual indicates to the ,state motor vehicle authority that the individual intends for the ,state to serve as the individual's residence for purposes of registering to vote in elections for ,federal office1 the authority shall notify the motor vehicle authority of the ,state identified by the individual pursuant to subparagraph 7,a77i71 who shall notify the chief ,state election official of such ,state that the individual no longer intends for that ,state to serve as the individual's residence for purposes of registering to vote in elections for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect with respect to elections occurring in #bjbe or any succeeding year4 ,i ,providing ,voter ,registration ,information to ,secondary ,school ,students #aia4 ,pilot program for providing voter registration information to secondary school students prior to graduation 7a7 ,pilot program ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission 7hereafter in this subtitle referred to as the ,commission7 shall carry out a pilot program under which the ,commission shall provide funds during the one-year period beginning after the date of the enactment of this subtitle to eligible local educational agencies for initiatives to provide information on registering to vote in elections for public office to secondary school students in the #abth grade4 7b7 ,eligibility ,a local educational agency is eligible to receive funds under the pilot program under this subtitle if the agency submits to the ,commission1 at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require1 an application containing-- 7#a7 a description of the initiatives the agency intends to carry out with the funds2 7#b7 an estimate of the costs associated with such initiatives2 and 7#c7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7c7 ,consultation with election officials ,a local educational agency receiving funds under the pilot program shall consult with the ,state and local election officials who are responsible for administering elections for public office in the area served by the agency in developing the initiatives the agency will carry out with the funds4 7d7 ,definitions ,in this subtitle1 the terms local educational agency and secondary school have the meanings given such terms in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 #aib4 ,reports 7a7 ,reports by recipients of funds ,not later than the expiration of the #ij-;day period which begins on the date of the receipt of the funds1 each local educational agency receiving funds under the pilot program under this subtitle shall submit a report to the ,commission describing the initiatives carried out with the funds and analyzing their effectiveness4 7b7 ,report by ,commission ,not later than the expiration of the #fj-;day period which begins on the date the ,commission receives the final report submitted by a local educational agency under subsection 7a71 the ,commission shall submit a report to ,congress on the pilot program under this subtitle4 #aic4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subtitle4 ,j ,voter ,registration of ,minors #aid4 ,acceptance of voter registration applications from individuals under #ah years of age 7a7 ,acceptance of applications ,section #h of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg71 as amended by section #ajd1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7k7 as subsection 7l72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7j7 the following new subsection3 7k7 ,acceptance of applications from individuals under #ah years of age 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state may not refuse to accept or process an individual's application to register to vote in elections for ,federal office on the grounds that the individual is under #ah years of age at the time the individual submits the application1 so long as the individual is at least #af years of age at such time4 7#b7 ,no effect on ,state voting age requirements ,nothing in paragraph 7#a7 may be construed to require a ,state to permit an individual who is under #ah years of age at the time of an election for ,federal office to vote in the election4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to elections occurring on or after ,january #a1 #bjbe4 ,,ii ,access to ,voting for ,individuals ,with ,disabilities #bja4 ,requirements for ,states to promote access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,requirements ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cje and #cjf as sections #cjf and #cjg1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjd the following new section3 #cje4 ,access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,treatment of applications and ballots ,each ,state shall-- 7#a7 ensure that absentee registration forms1 absentee ballot applications1 and absentee ballots that are available electronically are accessible 7as defined in section #cjf72 7#b7 permit individuals with disabilities to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in elections for ,federal office2 7#c7 accept and process1 with respect to any election for ,federal office1 any otherwise valid voter registration application and absentee ballot application from an individual with a disability if the application is received by the appropriate ,state election official within the deadline for the election which is applicable under ,federal law2 7#d7 in addition to any other method of registering to vote or applying for an absentee ballot in the ,state1 establish procedures-- 7,a7 for individuals with disabilities to request by mail and electronically voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications with respect to elections for ,federal office in accordance with subsection 7c72 7,b7 for ,states to send by mail and electronically 7in accordance with the preferred method of transmission designated by the individual under subparagraph 7,c77 voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications requested under subparagraph 7,a7 in accordance with subsection 7c72 and 7,c7 by which such an individual can designate whether the individual prefers that such voter registration application or absentee ballot application be transmitted by mail or electronically2 7#e7 in addition to any other method of transmitting blank absentee ballots in the ,state1 establish procedures for transmitting by mail and electronically blank absentee ballots to individuals with disabilities with respect to elections for ,federal office in accordance with subsection 7d72 7#f7 transmit a validly requested absentee ballot to an individual with a disability-- 7,a7 except as provided in subsection 7e71 in the case in which the request is received at least #de days before an election for ,federal office1 not later than #de days before the election2 and 7,b7 in the case in which the request is received less than #de days before an election for ,federal office-- 7i7 in accordance with ,state law2 and 7ii7 if practicable and as determined appropriate by the ,state1 in a manner that expedites the transmission of such absentee ballot2 and 7#g7 if the ,state declares or otherwise holds a runoff election for ,federal office1 establish a written plan that provides absentee ballots are made available to individuals with disabilities in a manner that gives them sufficient time to vote in the runoff election4 7b7 ,designation of single ,state office ,to provide information on registration and absentee ballot procedures for voters with disabilities in ,state 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall designate a single office which shall be responsible for providing information regarding voter registration procedures1 absentee ballot procedures1 and in-person voting procedures to be used by individuals with disabilities with respect to elections for ,federal office to all individuals with disabilities who wish to register to vote or vote in any jurisdiction in the ,state4 7#b7 ,responsibilities ,each ,state shall1 through the office designated in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 provide information to election officials-- 7i7 on how to set up and operate accessible voting systems2 and 7ii7 regarding the accessibility of voting procedures1 including guidance on compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers and ballot marking devices2 7,b7 integrate information on accessibility1 accommodations1 disability1 and older individuals into regular training materials for poll workers and election administration officials2 7,c7 train poll workers on how to make polling places accessible for individuals with disabilities and older individuals2 7,d7 promote the hiring of individuals with disabilities and older individuals as poll workers and election staff2 and 7,e7 publicly post the results of any audits to determine the accessibility of polling places no later than #f months after the completion of the audit4 7c7 ,designation of means of electronic communication for individuals with disabilities ,to request and for states ,to send voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications1 and for other purposes related to voting information 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall1 in addition to the designation of a single ,state office under subsection 7b71 designate not less than #a means of accessible electronic communication-- 7,a7 for use by individuals with disabilities who wish to register to vote or vote in any jurisdiction in the ,state to request voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications under subsection 7a77#d72 7,b7 for use by ,states to send voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications requested under such subsection2 and 7,c7 for the purpose of providing related voting1 balloting1 and election information to individuals with disabilities4 7#b7 ,clarification regarding provision of multiple means of electronic communication ,a ,state may1 in addition to the means of electronic communication so designated1 provide multiple means of electronic communication to individuals with disabilities1 including a means of electronic communication for the appropriate jurisdiction of the ,state4 7#c7 ,inclusion of designated means of electronic communication with informational and instructional materials that accompany balloting materials ,each ,state shall include a means of electronic communication so designated with all informational and instructional materials that accompany balloting materials sent by the ,state to individuals with disabilities4 7#d7 ,transmission if no preference indicated ,in the case where an individual with a disability does not designate a preference under subsection 7a77#d77;,c71 the ,state shall transmit the voter registration application or absentee ballot application by any delivery method allowable in accordance with applicable ,state law1 or if there is no applicable ,state law1 by mail4 7d7 ,transmission of blank absentee ballots by mail and electronically 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall establish procedures-- 7,a7 to securely transmit blank absentee ballots by mail and electronically 7in accordance with the preferred method of transmission designated by the individual with a disability under subparagraph 7,b77 to individuals with disabilities for an election for ,federal office2 and 7,b7 by which the individual with a disability can designate whether the individual prefers that such blank absentee ballot be transmitted by mail or electronically4 7#b7 ,transmission if no preference indicated ,in the case where an individual with a disability does not designate a preference under paragraph 7#a77;,b71 the ,state shall transmit the ballot by any delivery method allowable in accordance with applicable ,state law1 or if there is no applicable ,state law1 by mail4 7#c7 ,application of methods to track delivery to and return of ballot by individual requesting ballot ,under the procedures established under paragraph 7#a71 the ,state shall apply such methods as the ,state considers appropriate1 such as assigning a unique identifier to the ballot1 to ensure that if an individual with a disability requests the ,state to transmit a blank absentee ballot to the individual in accordance with this subsection1 the voted absentee ballot which is returned by the individual is the same blank absentee ballot which the ,state transmitted to the individual4 7e7 ,hardship ,exemption 7#a7 ,in general ,if the chief ,state election official determines that the ,state is unable to meet the requirement under subsection 7a77#f77;,a7 with respect to an election for ,federal office due to an undue hardship described in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 the chief ,state election official shall request that the ,attorney ,general grant a waiver to the ,state of the application of such subsection4 ,such request shall include-- 7,a7 a recognition that the purpose of such subsection is to individuals with disabilities enough time to vote in an election for ,federal office2 7,b7 an explanation of the hardship that indicates why the ,state is unable to transmit such individuals an absentee ballot in accordance with such subsection2 7,c7 the number of days prior to the election for ,federal office that the ,state requires absentee ballots be transmitted to such individuals2 and 7,d7 a comprehensive plan to ensure that such individuals are able to receive absentee ballots which they have requested and submit marked absentee ballots to the appropriate ,state election official in time to have that ballot counted in the election for ,federal office1 which includes-- 7i7 the steps the ,state will undertake to ensure that such individuals have time to receive1 mark1 and submit their ballots in time to have those ballots counted in the election2 7ii7 why the plan provides such individuals sufficient time to vote as a substitute for the requirements under such subsection2 and 7iii7 the underlying factual information which explains how the plan provides such sufficient time to vote as a substitute for such requirements4 7#b7 ,approval of waiver request ,the ,attorney ,general shall approve a waiver request under paragraph 7#a7 if the ,attorney ,general determines each of the following requirements are met3 7,a7 ,the comprehensive plan under subparagraph 7,d7 of such paragraph provides individuals with disabilities sufficient time to receive absentee ballots they have requested and submit marked absentee ballots to the appropriate ,state election official in time to have that ballot counted in the election for ,federal office4 7,b7 ,one or more of the following issues creates an undue hardship for the ,state3 7i7 ,the ,state's primary election date prohibits the ,state from complying with subsection 7a77#f77;,a74 7ii7 ,the ,state has suffered a delay in generating ballots due to a legal contest4 7iii7 ,the ,state ,constitution prohibits the ,state from complying with such subsection4 7#c7 ,timing of waiver 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided under subparagraph 7,b71 a ,state that requests a waiver under paragraph 7#a7 shall submit to the ,attorney ,general the written waiver request not later than #ij days before the election for ,federal office with respect to which the request is submitted4 ,the ,attorney ,general shall approve or deny the waiver request not later than #fe days before such election4 7,b7 ,exception ,if a ,state requests a waiver under paragraph 7#a7 as the result of an undue hardship described in paragraph 7#b77;,b77ii71 the ,state shall submit to the ,attorney ,general the written waiver request as soon as practicable4 ,the ,attorney ,general shall approve or deny the waiver request not later than #e business days after the date on which the request is received4 7#d7 ,application of waiver ,a waiver approved under paragraph 7#b7 shall only apply with respect to the election for ,federal office for which the request was submitted4 ,for each subsequent election for ,federal office1 the ,attorney ,general shall only approve a waiver if the ,state has submitted a request under paragraph 7#a7 with respect to such election4 7f7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section may be construed to allow a voter's ballot selections to be transmitted over the internet or to allow for the electronic submission of a marked ballot4 7g7 ,individual with a disability defined ,in this section1 an individual with a disability means an individual with an impairment that substantially limits any major life activities and who is otherwise qualified to vote in elections for ,federal office4 7h7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbe4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to issuance of voluntary guidance by election assistance commission 7#a7 ,timing of issuance ,section #caa7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7;b77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#b72 7,b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#c7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 in the case of the recommendations with respect to section #cje1 ,january #a1 #bjbe4 4 7#b7 ,redesignation ,title ,,iii of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended by redesignating sections #caa and #cab as sections #cba and #cbb1 respectively4 7c7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c771 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cje and #cjf as relating to sections #cjf and #cjg1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjd the following new item3 ,sec4 #cje4 ,access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities4 4 #bjb4 ,establishment and maintenance of ,state accessible election websites 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a7 and section #bja7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjf and #cjg as sections #cjg and #cjh1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cje the following3 #cjf4 ,establishment and maintenance of accessible election websites 7a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall establish a single election website that is accessible and meets the following requirements3 7#a7 ,local election officials ,the website shall provide local election officials1 poll workers1 and volunteers with-- 7,a7 guidance to ensure that polling places are accessible for individuals with disabilities and older individuals in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including privacy and independence7 as for other voters2 and 7,b7 online training and resources on-- 7i7 how best to promote the access and participation of individuals with disabilities and older individuals in elections for public office2 and 7ii7 the voting rights and protections for individuals with disabilities and older individuals under ,state and ,federal law4 7#b7 ,voters ,the website shall provide information about voting1 including-- 7,a7 the accessibility of all polling places within the ,state1 including outreach programs to inform individuals about the availability of accessible polling places2 7,b7 how to register to vote and confirm voter registration in the ,state2 7,c7 the location and operating hours of all polling places in the ,state2 7,d7 the availability of aid or assistance for individuals with disabilities and older individuals to cast their vote in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including privacy and independence7 as for other voters at polling places2 7,e7 the availability of transportation aid or assistance to the polling place for individuals with disabilities or older individuals2 7,f7 the rights and protections under ,state and ,federal law for individuals with disabilities and older individuals to participate in elections2 and 7,g7 how to contact ,state1 local1 and ,federal officials with complaints or grievances if individuals with disabilities1 older individuals1 ,native ,americans1 ,alaska ,natives1 and individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language feel their ability to register to vote or vote has been blocked or delayed4 7b7 ,partnership with outside technical organization ,the chief ,state election official of each ,state1 through the committee of appropriate individuals under subsection 7c77#b71 shall partner with an outside technical organization with demonstrated experience in establishing accessible and easy to use accessible election websites to-- 7#a7 update an existing election website to make it fully accessible in accordance with this section2 or 7#b7 develop an election website that is fully accessible in accordance with this section4 7c7 ,state plan 7#a7 ,development ,the chief ,state election official of each ,state shall1 through a committee of appropriate individuals as described in paragraph 7#b71 develop a ,state plan that describes how the ,state and local governments will meet the requirements under this section4 7#b7 ,committee membership ,the committee shall comprise at least the following individuals3 7,a7 ,the chief election officials of the four most populous jurisdictions within the ,state4 7,b7 ,the chief election officials of the four least populous jurisdictions within the ,state4 7,c7 ,representatives from two disability advocacy groups1 including at least one such representative who is an individual with a disability4 7,d7 ,representatives from two older individual advocacy groups1 including at least one such representative who is an older individual4 7,e7 ,representatives from two independent non-governmental organizations with expertise in establishing and maintaining accessible websites4 7,f7 ,representatives from two independent non-governmental voting rights organizations4 7,g7 ,representatives from ,state protection and advocacy systems as defined in section #ajb of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act of #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejjb74 7d7 ,partnership ,to monitor and verify accessibility ,the chief ,state election official of each eligible ,state1 through the committee of appropriate individuals under subsection 7c77#b71 shall partner with at least two of the following organizations to monitor and verify the accessibility of the election website and the completeness of the election information and the accuracy of the disability information provided on such website3 7#a7 ,university ,centers for ,excellence in ,developmental ,disabilities ,education1 ,research1 and ,services designated under section #aea7;a7 of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act of #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejfa7;a774 7#b7 ,centers for ,independent ,living1 as described in part ,c of title ,,vii of the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gif;f et seq474 7#c7 ,a ,state ,council on ,developmental ,disabilities described in section #abe of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act of #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejbe74 7#d7 ,state protection and advocacy systems as defined in section #ajb of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act of #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejjb74 7#e7 ,statewide ,independent ,living ,councils established under section #gje of the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gif;d74 7#f7 ,state ,assistive ,technology ,act ,programs4 7#g7 ,a visual access advocacy organization4 7#h7 ,an organization for the deaf4 7#i7 ,a mental health organization4 7e7 ,definitions ,for purposes of this section1 section #cje1 and section #cjg3 7#a7 ,accessible ,the term accessible means-- 7,a7 in the case of the election website under subsection 7a7 or an electronic communication under section #cje-- 7i7 that the functions and content of the website or electronic communication1 including all text1 visual1 and aural content1 are as accessible to people with disabilities as to those without disabilities2 7ii7 that the functions and content of the website or electronic communication are accessible to individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language2 and 7iii7 that the website or electronic communication meets1 at a minimum1 conformance to ,level ,,aa of the ,web ,content ,accessibility ,guidelines #b4j of the ,web ,accessibility ,initiative 7or any successor guidelines72 and 7,b7 in the case of a facility 7including a polling place71 that the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities and older individuals1 as determined under the #bjaj ,,ada ,standards for ,accessible ,design adopted by the ,department of ,justice 7or any successor standards74 7#b7 ,individual with a disability ,the term individual with a disability means an individual with a disability1 as defined in section #c of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abajb71 and who is otherwise qualified to vote in elections for ,federal office4 7#c7 ,older individual ,the term older individual means an individual who is #fj years of age or older and who is otherwise qualified to vote in elections for ,federal office4 7#d7 ,state ,the term ,state means a ,state of the ,united ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 and any territory or possession of the ,united ,states4 7f7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply on or after ,january #a1 #bjbe4 4 7b7 ,voluntary guidance ,section #cba7;b77#d7 such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7;b771 as added and redesignated by section #bja7;b71 is amended by striking section #cje and inserting sections #cje and #cjf4 7c7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c7 and section #bja7;c71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cjf and #cjg as relating to sections #cjg and #cjh1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cje the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,establishment and maintenance of accessible election websites4 4 #bjc4 ,protections for in-person voting for individuals with disabilities and older individuals 7a7 ,requirement 7#a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a71 section #bja7;a71 and section #bjb7;a71 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating sections #cjg and #cjh as sections #cjh and #cji1 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after section #cjf the following3 #cjg4 ,access to voting for individuals with disabilities and older individuals 7a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall-- 7#a7 ensure all polling places within the ,state are accessible1 as defined in section #cjf2 7#b7 consider procedures to address long wait times at polling places that allow individuals with disabilities and older individuals alternate options to cast a ballot in person in an election for ,federal office1 such as the option to cast a ballot outside of the polling place or from a vehicle1 or providing an expedited voting line2 and 7#c7 consider options to establish mobile polling sites to allow election officials or volunteers to travel to long-term care facilities and assist residents who request assistance in casting a ballot in order to maintain the privacy and independence of voters in these facilities4 7b7 ,clarification ,nothing in this section may be construed to alter the requirements under ,federal law that all polling places for ,federal elections are accessible to individuals with disabilities and older individuals4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbg4 4 7#b7 ,voluntary guidance ,section #cba7;b77#d7 such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7;b771 as added and redesignated by section #bja7;b7 and as amended by section #bjb1 is amended by striking and #cjf and inserting 1 #cjf1 and #cjg4 7#c7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c71 section #bja7;c71 and section #bjb7;c71 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cjg and #cjh as relating to sections #cjh and #cji1 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjf the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,access to voting for individuals with disabilities and older individuals4 4 7b7 ,revisions to ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#a7 ,reports to ,election ,assistance ,commission ,section #c7;c7 of the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjajb7;c77 is amended-- 7,a7 in the subsection heading1 by striking ,federal ,election ,commission and inserting ,election ,assistance ,commission2 7,b7 in each of paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b71 by striking ,federal ,election ,commission and inserting ,election ,assistance ,commission2 and 7,c7 by striking paragraph 7#c74 7#b7 ,conforming amendments relating to references ,the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaja et seq471 as amended by paragraph 7#a71 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking handicapped and elderly individuals each place it appears and inserting individuals with disabilities and older individuals2 7,b7 by striking handicapped and elderly voters each place it appears and inserting individuals with disabilities and older individuals2 7,c7 in section #c7;b77#b77;,b71 by striking handicapped or elderly voter and inserting individual with a disability or older individual2 7,d7 in section #e7;b71 by striking handicapped voter and inserting individual with a disability2 and 7,e7 in section #h-- 7i7 by striking paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 accessible has the meaning given that term in section #cjf of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb1 as added by section #bjb7;a7 of the ,voter ,empowerment ,act of #bjbd2 7#b7 older individual has the meaning given that term in such section #cjf2 2 and 7ii7 by striking paragraph 7#d71 and inserting the following3 7#d7 individual with a disability has the meaning given that term in such section #cjf2 and 4 7#c7 ,short title amendment 7,a7 ,in general ,section #a of the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7,public ,law #ih-dce2 #db ,u4,s4,c4 #aigc;ee note7 is amended by striking for the ,elderly and ,handicapped and inserting for ,individuals with ,disabilities and ,older ,individuals4 7,b7 ,references ,any reference in any other provision of law1 regulation1 document1 paper1 or other record of the ,united ,states to the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act shall be deemed to be a reference to the ,voting ,accessibility for ,individuals with ,disabilities and ,older ,individuals ,act4 7#d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subsection shall take effect on ,january #a1 #bjbg1 and apply to with respect to elections for ,federal office held on or after that date4 #bjd4 ,protections for individuals subject to guardianship 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a71 section #bja7;a71 section #bjb7;a71 and section #bjc7;a77#a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjh and #cji as sections #cji and #caj1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjg the following3 #cjh4 ,protections for individuals subject to guardianship 7a7 ,in general ,a ,state shall not determine that an individual lacks the capacity to vote in an election for ,federal office on the ground that the individual is subject to guardianship1 unless a court of competent jurisdiction issues a court order finding by clear and convincing evidence that the individual cannot communicate1 with or without accommodations1 a desire to participate in the voting process4 7b7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbe4 4 7b7 ,voluntary guidance ,section #cba7;b77#d7 such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7;b771 as added and redesignated by section #bja7;b7 and as amended by sections #bjb and #bjc1 is amended by striking and #cjg and inserting #cjg1 and #cjh4 7c7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c71 section #bja7;c71 section #bjb7;c71 and section #bjc7;a77#c71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cjh and #cji as relating to sections #cji and #caj1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjg the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjh4 ,protections for individuals subject to guardianship4 4 #bje4 ,expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure voting access for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,purposes of payments ,section #bfa7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajba7;b77 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 making absentee voting and voting at home accessible to individuals with the full range of disabilities 7including impairments involving vision1 hearing1 mobility1 or dexterity7 through the implementation of accessible absentee voting systems that work in conjunction with assistive technologies for which individuals have access at their homes1 independent living centers1 or other facilities2 7#b7 making polling places1 including the path of travel1 entrances1 exits1 and voting areas of each polling facility1 accessible to individuals with disabilities1 including the blind and visually impaired1 in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including privacy and independence7 as for other voters2 and 7#c7 providing solutions to problems of access to voting and elections for individuals with disabilities that are universally designed and provide the same opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities4 4 7b7 ,reauthorization ,section #bfd7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajbd7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,for fiscal year #bjbe and each succeeding fiscal year1 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this part4 4 7c7 ,period of availability of funds ,section #bfd of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajbd7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b71 by striking ,any amounts and inserting ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 any amounts2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,return and transfer of certain funds 7#a7 ,deadline for obligation and expenditure ,in the case of any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority of subsection 7a7 for a payment to a ,state or unit of local government for fiscal year #bjbe or any succeeding fiscal year1 any portion of such amounts which have not been obligated or expended by the ,state or unit of local government prior to the expiration of the #d-year period which begins on the date the ,state or unit of local government first received the amounts shall be transferred to the ,commission4 7#b7 ,reallocation of transferred amounts 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall use the amounts transferred under paragraph 7#a7 to make payments on a pro rata basis to each covered payment recipient described in subparagraph 7,b71 which may obligate and expend such payment for the purposes described in section #bfa7;b7 during the #a-year period which begins on the date of receipt4 7,b7 ,covered payment recipients described ,in subparagraph 7,a71 a covered payment recipient is a ,state or unit of local government with respect to which-- 7i7 amounts were appropriated pursuant to the authority of subsection 7a72 and 7ii7 no amounts were transferred to the ,commission under paragraph 7#a74 4 #bjf4 ,appointments to ,,eac ,board of ,advisors 7a7 ,in general ,section #bad7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjidd7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking #cg and inserting #di2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraphs3 7#ag7 ,two members appointed by the ,national ,council on ,disability4 7#ah7 ,two members appointed by the ,assistant ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services for ,aging4 7#ai7 ,four members from organizations1 whose executive leadership team consists of fifty-one percent of individuals with disabilities1 representing the interests of voters with disabilities1 of whom-- 7,a7 two members shall be appointed by the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives1 of whom one shall be appointed by the chair and one shall be appointed by the ranking minority member2 and 7,b7 two members shall be appointed by the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate1 of whom one shall be appointed by the chair and one shall be appointed by the ranking minority member4 7#bj7 ,four members from organizations representing the interests of older voters1 of whom-- 7,a7 two members shall be appointed by the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives1 of whom one shall be appointed by the chair and one shall be appointed by the ranking minority member2 and 7,b7 two members shall be appointed by the ,special ,committee on ,aging of the ,senate1 of whom one shall be appointed by the chair and one shall be appointed by the ranking minority member4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on ,january #a1 #bjbb4 #bjg4 ,pilot programs for enabling individuals with disabilities to register to vote privately and independently at residences 7a7 ,establishment of pilot programs ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission 7hereafter referred to as the ,commission7 shall1 subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this section1 make grants to eligible ,states to conduct pilot programs under which individuals with disabilities may use electronic means 7including the internet and telephones utilizing assistive devices7 to register to vote and to request and receive absentee ballots in a manner which permits such individuals to do so privately and independently at their own residences4 7b7 ,reports 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state receiving a grant for a year under this section shall submit a report to the ,commission on the pilot programs the ,state carried out with the grant with respect to elections for public office held in the ,state during the year4 7#b7 ,deadline ,a ,state shall submit a report under paragraph 7#a7 not later than #ij days after the last election for public office held in the ,state during the year4 7c7 ,eligibility ,a ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this section if the ,state submits to the ,commission1 at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require1 an application containing such information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7d7 ,timing ,the ,commission shall make the first grants under this section for pilot programs which will be in effect with respect to elections for ,federal office held in #bjbe1 or1 at the option of a ,state1 with respect to other elections for public office held in the ,state in #bjbe4 7e7 ,state defined ,in this section1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 #bjh4 ,,gao analysis and report on voting access for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,analysis ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct an analysis after each regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office with respect to the following3 7#a7 ,in relation to polling places located in houses of worship or other facilities that may be exempt from accessibility requirements under the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act-- 7,a7 efforts to overcome accessibility challenges posed by such facilities2 and 7,b7 the extent to which such facilities are used as polling places in elections for ,federal office4 7#b7 ,assistance provided by the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 ,department of ,justice1 or other ,federal agencies to help ,state and local officials improve voting access for individuals with disabilities during elections for ,federal office4 7#c7 ,when accessible voting machines are available at a polling place1 the extent to which such machines-- 7,a7 are located in places that are difficult to access2 7,b7 malfunction2 or 7,c7 fail to provide sufficient privacy to ensure that the ballot of the individual cannot be seen by another individual4 7#d7 ,the process by which ,federal1 ,state1 and local governments track compliance with accessibility requirements related to voting access1 including methods to receive and address complaints4 7#e7 ,the extent to which poll workers receive training on how to assist individuals with disabilities1 including the receipt by such poll workers of information on legal requirements related to voting rights for individuals with disabilities4 7#f7 ,the extent and effectiveness of training provided to poll workers on the operation of accessible voting machines4 7#g7 ,the extent to which individuals with a developmental or psychiatric disability experience greater barriers to voting1 and whether poll worker training adequately addresses the needs of such individuals4 7#h7 ,the extent to which ,state or local governments employ1 or attempt to employ1 individuals with disabilities to work at polling sites4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #i months after the date of a regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report with respect to the most recent regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office that contains the following3 7,a7 ,the analysis required by subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,recommendations1 as appropriate1 to promote the use of best practices used by ,state and local officials to address barriers to accessibility and privacy concerns for individuals with disabilities in elections for ,federal office4 7#b7 ,appropriate congressional committees ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives2 7,b7 the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration of the ,senate2 7,c7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7,d7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate4 ,,iii ,prohibiting ,voter ,caging #cja4 ,voter caging and other questionable challenges prohibited 7a7 ,in ,general ,chapter #bi of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #aga7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #fac4 ,voter caging and other questionable challenges 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term voter caging document means-- 7,a7 a nonforwardable document that is returned to the sender or a third party as undelivered or undeliverable despite an attempt to deliver such document to the address of a registered voter or applicant2 or 7,b7 any document with instructions to an addressee that the document be returned to the sender or a third party but is not so returned1 despite an attempt to deliver such document to the address of a registered voter or applicant1 unless at least two ,federal election cycles have passed since the date of the attempted delivery2 7#b7 the term voter caging list means a list of individuals compiled from voter caging documents2 and 7#c7 the term unverified match list means a list produced by matching the information of registered voters or applicants for voter registration to a list of individuals who are ineligible to vote in the registrar's jurisdiction1 by virtue of death1 conviction1 change of address1 or otherwise2 unless one of the pieces of information matched includes a signature1 photograph1 or unique identifying number ensuring that the information from each source refers to the same individual4 7b7 ,prohibition ,against ,voter ,caging ,no ,state or local election official shall prevent an individual from registering or voting in any election for ,federal office1 or permit in connection with any election for ,federal office a formal challenge under ,state law to an individual's registration status or eligibility to vote1 if the basis for such decision is evidence consisting of-- 7#a7 a voter caging document or voter caging list2 7#b7 an unverified match list2 7#c7 an error or omission on any record or paper relating to any application1 registration1 or other act requisite to voting1 if such error or omission is not material to an individual's eligibility to vote under section #bjjd7;a77#b77;,b7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;a77#b77;,b772 or 7#d7 any other evidence so designated for purposes of this section by the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 except that the election official may use such evidence if it is corroborated by independent evidence of the individual's ineligibility to register or vote4 7c7 ,requirements for ,challenges by ,persons ,other ,than ,election ,officials 7#a7 ,requirements for challenges ,no person1 other than a ,state or local election official1 shall submit a formal challenge to an individual's eligibility to register to vote in an election for ,federal office or to vote in an election for ,federal office unless that challenge is supported by personal knowledge regarding the grounds for ineligibility which is-- 7,a7 documented in writing2 and 7,b7 subject to an oath or attestation under penalty of perjury that the challenger has a good faith factual basis to believe that the individual who is the subject of the challenge is ineligible to register to vote or vote in that election1 except a challenge which is based on the race1 ethnicity1 or national origin of the individual who is the subject of the challenge may not be considered to have a good faith factual basis for purposes of this paragraph4 7#b7 ,prohibition on challenges on or near date of election ,no person1 other than a ,state or local election official1 shall be permitted-- 7,a7 to challenge an individual's eligibility to vote in an election for ,federal office on ,election ,day1 or 7,b7 to challenge an individual's eligibility to register to vote in an election for ,federal office or to vote in an election for ,federal office less than #aj days before the election unless the individual registered to vote less than #bj days before the election4 7d7 ,penalties for ,knowing ,misconduct ,whoever knowingly challenges the eligibility of one or more individuals to register or vote or knowingly causes the eligibility of such individuals to be challenged in violation of this section with the intent that one or more eligible voters be disqualified1 shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than #a year1 or both1 for each such violation4 ,each violation shall be a separate offense4 7e7 ,no ,effect on ,related ,laws ,nothing in this section is intended to override the protections of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq47 or to affect the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq474 4 7b7 ,clerical ,amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #bi of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #aga7;b71 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #fac4 ,voter caging and other questionable challenges4 4 #cjb4 ,development and adoption of best practices for preventing voter caging 7a7 ,best practices ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall develop and publish for the use of ,states recommendations for best practices to deter and prevent violations of section #fac of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by section #cja7;a71 including practices to provide for the posting of relevant information at polling places and voter registration agencies1 the training of poll workers and election officials1 and relevant educational measures4 ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7b7 ,inclusion in voting information requirements ,section #cjb7;b77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77#b771 as amended by section #agb7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,f72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,g7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,h7 information relating to the prohibition against voter caging and other questionable challenges 7as set forth in section #fac of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code71 including information on how individuals may report allegations of violations of such prohibition4 4 ,,iv ,prohibiting ,deceptive ,practices and ,preventing ,voter ,intimidation #dja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,deceptive ,practices and ,voter ,intimidation ,prevention ,act of #bjbd4 #djb4 ,prohibition on deceptive practices in ,federal elections 7a7 ,prohibition ,subsection 7b7 of section #bjjd of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,no person and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,no person 2 and 7#b7 by inserting at the end the following new paragraphs3 7#b7 ,false statements regarding ,federal elections 7,a7 ,prohibition ,no person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 shall1 within #fj days before an election described in paragraph 7#e71 by any means1 including by means of written1 electronic1 or telephonic communications1 communicate or cause to be communicated information described in subparagraph 7,b71 or produce information described in subparagraph 7,b7 with the intent that such information be communicated1 if such person-- 7i7 knows such information to be materially false2 and 7ii7 has the intent to impede or prevent another person from exercising the right to vote in an election described in paragraph 7#e74 7,b7 ,information described ,information is described in this subparagraph if such information is regarding-- 7i7 the time1 place1 or manner of holding any election described in paragraph 7#e72 or 7ii7 the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for any such election1 including-- 7,i7 any criminal penalties associated with voting in any such election2 or 7,,ii7 information regarding a voter's registration status or eligibility4 7#c7 ,false statements regarding public endorsements 7,a7 ,prohibition ,no person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 shall1 within #fj days before an election described in paragraph 7#e71 by any means1 including by means of written1 electronic1 or telephonic communications1 communicate1 or cause to be communicated1 a materially false statement about an endorsement1 if such person-- 7i7 knows such statement to be false2 and 7ii7 has the intent to impede or prevent another person from exercising the right to vote in an election described in paragraph 7#e74 7,b7 ,definition of materially false ,for purposes of subparagraph 7,a71 a statement about an endorsement is materially false if1 with respect to an upcoming election described in paragraph 7#e7-- 7i7 the statement states that a specifically named person1 political party1 or organization has endorsed the election of a specific candidate for a ,federal office described in such paragraph2 and 7ii7 such person1 political party1 or organization has not endorsed the election of such candidate4 7#d7 ,hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing voting or registering to vote ,no person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 shall intentionally hinder1 interfere with1 or prevent another person from voting1 registering to vote1 or aiding another person to vote or register to vote in an election described in paragraph 7#e74 7#e7 ,election described ,an election described in this paragraph is any general1 primary1 run-off1 or special election held solely or in part for the purpose of nominating or electing a candidate for the office of ,president1 ,vice ,president1 ,presidential elector1 ,member of the ,senate1 ,member of the ,house of ,representatives1 or ,delegate or ,commissioner from a ,territory or possession4 4 7b7 ,private right of action 7#a7 ,in general ,subsection 7c7 of section #bjjd of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;c77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking ,whenever any person and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,whenever any person 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 ,civil action ,any person aggrieved by a violation of subsection 7b77#b71 7b77#c71 or 7b77#d7 may institute a civil action for preventive relief1 including an application in a ,united ,states district court for a permanent or temporary injunction1 restraining order1 or other order4 ,in any such action1 the court1 in its discretion1 may allow the prevailing party a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments ,section #bjjd of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7e71 by striking subsection 7c7 and inserting subsection 7c77#a72 and 7,b7 in subsection 7g71 by striking subsection 7c7 and inserting subsection 7c77#a74 7c7 ,criminal penalties 7#a7 ,deceptive acts ,section #eid of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking ,whoever and inserting the following3 7a7 ,intimidation ,whoever 2 7,b7 in subsection 7a71 as inserted by subparagraph 7,a71 by striking at any election and inserting at any general1 primary1 run-off1 or special election2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new subsections3 7b7 ,deceptive acts 7#a7 ,false statements regarding ,federal elections 7,a7 ,prohibition ,it shall be unlawful for any person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 within #fj days before an election described in subsection 7e71 by any means1 including by means of written1 electronic1 or telephonic communications1 to communicate or cause to be communicated information described in subparagraph 7,b71 or produce information described in subparagraph 7,b7 with the intent that such information be communicated1 if such person-- 7i7 knows such information to be materially false2 and 7ii7 has the intent to mislead voters1 or the intent to impede or prevent another person from exercising the right to vote in an election described in subsection 7e74 7,b7 ,information described ,information is described in this subparagraph if such information is regarding-- 7i7 the time or place of holding any election described in subsection 7e72 or 7ii7 the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for any such election1 including-- 7,i7 any criminal penalties associated with voting in any such election2 or 7,,ii7 information regarding a voter's registration status or eligibility4 7#b7 ,penalty ,any person who violates paragraph 7#a7 shall be fined not more than #ajj1jjj1 imprisoned for not more than #e years1 or both4 7c7 ,hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing voting or registering ,to vote 7#a7 ,prohibition ,it shall be unlawful for any person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 to intentionally hinder1 interfere with1 or prevent another person from voting1 registering to vote1 or aiding another person to vote or register to vote in an election described in subsection 7e74 7#b7 ,penalty ,any person who violates paragraph 7#a7 shall be fined not more than #ajj1jjj1 imprisoned for not more than #e years1 or both4 7d7 ,attempt ,any person who attempts to commit any offense described in subsection 7a71 7b77#a71 or 7c77#a7 shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense that the person attempted to commit4 7e7 ,election described ,an election described in this subsection is any general1 primary1 run-off1 or special election held solely or in part for the purpose of nominating or electing a candidate for the office of ,president1 ,vice ,president1 ,presidential elector1 ,senator1 ,member of the ,house of ,representatives1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to the ,congress4 4 7#b7 ,modification of penalty for voter intimidation ,section #eid7;a7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by paragraph 7#a71 is amended by striking fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year and inserting fined not more than #ajj1jjj1 imprisoned for not more than #e years4 7#c7 ,sentencing guidelines 7,a7 ,review and amendment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,united ,states ,sentencing ,commission1 pursuant to its authority under section #iid of title #bh1 ,united ,states ,code1 and in accordance with this section1 shall review and1 if appropriate1 amend the ,federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of any offense under section #eid of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by this section4 7,b7 ,authorization ,the ,united ,states ,sentencing ,commission may amend the ,federal ,sentencing ,guidelines in accordance with the procedures set forth in section #ba7;a7 of the ,sentencing ,act of #aihg 7#bh ,u4,s4,c4 #iid note7 as though the authority under that section had not expired4 7#d7 ,payments for refraining from voting ,subsection 7c7 of section #aa of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjg7 is amended by striking either for registration to vote or for voting and inserting for registration to vote1 for voting1 or for not voting4 #djc4 ,corrective action 7a7 ,corrective action 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,attorney ,general receives a credible report that materially false information has been or is being communicated in violation of paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of section #bjjd7;b7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;b771 as added by section #djb7;a71 and if the ,attorney ,general determines that ,state and local election officials have not taken adequate steps to promptly communicate accurate information to correct the materially false information1 the ,attorney ,general shall1 pursuant to the written procedures and standards under subsection 7b71 communicate to the public1 by any means1 including by means of written1 electronic1 or telephonic communications1 accurate information designed to correct the materially false information4 7#b7 ,communication of corrective information ,any information communicated by the ,attorney ,general under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 shall-- 7i7 be accurate and objective2 7ii7 consist of only the information necessary to correct the materially false information that has been or is being communicated2 and 7iii7 to the extent practicable1 be by a means that the ,attorney ,general determines will reach the persons to whom the materially false information has been or is being communicated2 and 7,b7 shall not be designed to favor or disfavor any particular candidate1 organization1 or political party4 7b7 ,written procedures and standards for taking corrective action 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,attorney ,general shall publish written procedures and standards for determining when and how corrective action will be taken under this section4 7#b7 ,inclusion of appropriate deadlines ,the procedures and standards under paragraph 7#a7 shall include appropriate deadlines1 based in part on the number of days remaining before the upcoming election4 7#c7 ,consultation ,in developing the procedures and standards under paragraph 7#a71 the ,attorney ,general shall consult with the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 ,state and local election officials1 civil rights organizations1 voting rights groups1 voter protection groups1 and other interested community organizations4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,attorney ,general such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title4 #djd4 ,reports to ,congress 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after each general election for ,federal office1 the ,attorney ,general shall submit to ,congress a report compiling all allegations received by the ,attorney ,general of deceptive practices described in paragraphs 7#b71 7#c71 and 7#d7 of section #bjjd7;b7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;b771 as added by section #djb7;a71 relating to the general election for ,federal office and any primary1 run-off1 or a special election for ,federal office held in the #b years preceding the general election4 7b7 ,contents 7#a7 ,in general ,each report submitted under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a description of each allegation of a deceptive practice described in subsection 7a71 including the geographic location1 racial and ethnic composition1 and language minority-group membership of the persons toward whom the alleged deceptive practice was directed2 7,b7 the status of the investigation of each allegation described in subparagraph 7,a72 7,c7 a description of each corrective action taken by the ,attorney ,general under section #djc7;a7 in response to an allegation described in subparagraph 7,a72 7,d7 a description of each referral of an allegation described in subparagraph 7,a7 to other ,federal1 ,state1 or local agencies2 7,e7 to the extent information is available1 a description of any civil action instituted under section #bjjd7;c77#b7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;c77#b771 as added by section #djb7;b71 in connection with an allegation described in subparagraph 7,a72 and 7,f7 a description of any criminal prosecution instituted under section #eid of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #djb7;c71 in connection with the receipt of an allegation described in subparagraph 7,a7 by the ,attorney ,general4 7#b7 ,exclusion of certain information 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,attorney ,general shall not include in a report submitted under subsection 7a7 any information protected from disclosure by rule #f7;e7 of the ,federal ,rules of ,criminal ,procedure or any ,federal criminal statute4 7,b7 ,exclusion of certain other information ,the ,attorney ,general may determine that the following information shall not be included in a report submitted under subsection 7a73 7i7 ,any information that is privileged4 7ii7 ,any information concerning an ongoing investigation4 7iii7 ,any information concerning a criminal or civil proceeding conducted under seal4 7iv7 ,any other nonpublic information that the ,attorney ,general determines the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to infringe on the rights of any individual or adversely affect the integrity of a pending or future criminal investigation4 7c7 ,report made public ,on the date that the ,attorney ,general submits the report under subsection 7a71 the ,attorney ,general shall also make the report publicly available through the internet and other appropriate means4 ,v ,democracy ,restoration #eja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,democracy ,restoration ,act of #bjbd4 #ejb4 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,the right to vote is the most basic constitutive act of citizenship4 ,regaining the right to vote reintegrates individuals with criminal convictions into free society1 helping to enhance public safety4 7#b7 ,article ,i1 section #d1 of the ,constitution grants ,congress ultimate supervisory power over ,federal elections1 an authority which has repeatedly been upheld by the ,united ,states ,supreme ,court4 7#c7 ,basic constitutional principles of fairness and equal protection require an equal opportunity for citizens of the ,united ,states to vote in ,federal elections4 ,the right to vote may not be abridged or denied by the ,united ,states or by any ,state on account of race1 color1 gender1 or previous condition of servitude4 ,the #acth1 #adth1 #aeth1 #aith1 #bdth1 and #bfth ,amendments to the ,constitution empower ,congress to enact measures to protect the right to vote in ,federal elections4 ,the #hth ,amendment to the ,constitution provides for no excessive bail to be required1 nor excessive fines imposed1 nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted4 7#d7 ,there are #c areas in which discrepancies in ,state laws regarding criminal convictions lead to unfairness in ,federal elections-- 7,a7 the lack of a uniform standard for voting in ,federal elections leads to an unfair disparity and unequal participation in ,federal elections based solely on where a person lives2 7,b7 laws governing the restoration of voting rights after a criminal conviction vary throughout the country and persons in some ,states can easily regain their voting rights while in other ,states persons effectively lose their right to vote permanently2 and 7,c7 ,state disenfranchisement laws disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities4 7#e7 ,state disenfranchisement laws vary widely4 ,two ,states 7,maine and ,vermont7 and the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico do not disenfranchise individuals with criminal convictions at all4 ,in #bjbj1 the ,district of ,columbia re-enfranchised its citizens who are under the supervision of the ,federal ,bureau of ,prisons4 ,in #cj ,states1 individuals with convictions may not vote while they are on parole and #bh of those ,states disenfranchise individuals on felony probation as well4 ,in #aa ,states1 a conviction can result in lifetime disenfranchisement4 7#f7 ,several ,states deny the right to vote to individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors4 7#g7 ,in #bjbj1 an estimated #e1bjj1jjj citizens of the ,united ,states1 or about #a in #dd adults in the ,united ,states1 could not vote as a result of a felony conviction4 ,of the #e1bjj1jjj citizens barred from voting then1 only #bd percent were in prison4 ,by contrast1 #ge percent of persons disenfranchised then resided in their communities while on probation or parole or after having completed their sentences4 ,approximately #b1bjj1jjj citizens who had completed their sentences were disenfranchised due to restrictive ,state laws4 ,as of ,november #bjah1 the lifetime ban for persons with certain felony convictions was eliminated through a ,florida ballot initiative4 ,as a result1 as many as #a1djj1jjj people are now eligible to have their voting rights restored4 ,in #d ,states--,alabama1 ,florida1 ,mississippi1 and ,tennessee--more than #g percent of the total population is disenfranchised4 7#h7 ,in those ,states that disenfranchise individuals post-sentence1 the right to vote can be regained in theory1 but in practice this possibility is often granted in a non-uniform and potentially discriminatory manner4 ,disenfranchised individuals sometimes must either obtain a pardon or an order from the ,governor or an action by the parole or pardon board1 depending on the offense and ,state4 ,individuals convicted of a ,federal offense often have additional barriers to regaining voting rights4 7#i7 ,state disenfranchisement laws disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities4 ,in recent years1 ,african ,americans have been imprisoned at over #e times the rate of ,whites4 ,more than #f percent of the voting-age ,african-,american population1 or #a1hjj1jjj ,african ,americans1 are disenfranchised due to a felony conviction4 ,in #i ,states--,alabama 7#af percent71 ,arizona 7#ac percent71 ,florida 7#ae percent71 ,kentucky 7#ae percent71 ,mississippi 7#af percent71 ,south ,dakota 7#ad percent71 ,tennessee 7#ba percent71 ,virginia 7#af percent71 and ,wyoming 7#cf percent7--more than #a in #h ,african ,americans are unable to vote because of a felony conviction1 twice the national average for ,african ,americans4 7#aj7 ,latino citizens are also disproportionately disenfranchised based upon their disproportionate representation in the criminal justice system4 ,in recent years1 ,latinos have been imprisoned at #b4e times the rate of ,whites4 ,more than #b percent of the voting-age ,latino population1 or #efj1jjj ,latinos1 are disenfranchised due to a felony conviction4 ,in #cd states ,latinos are disenfranchised at a higher rate than the general population4 ,in #aa states #d percent or more of ,latino adults are disenfranchised due to a felony conviction 7,alabama1 #d percent2 ,arizona1 #g percent2 ,arkansas1 #d percent2 ,idaho1 #d percent2 ,iowa1 #d percent2 ,kentucky1 #f percent2 ,minnesota1 #d percent2 ,mississippi1 #e percent2 ,nebraska1 #f percent2 ,tennessee1 #aa percent1 ,wyoming1 #d percent71 twice the national average for ,latinos4 7#aa7 ,disenfranchising citizens who have been convicted of a criminal offense and who are living and working in the community serves no compelling ,state interest and hinders their rehabilitation and reintegration into society4 7#ab7 ,state disenfranchisement laws can suppress electoral participation among eligible voters by discouraging voting among family and community members of disenfranchised persons4 ,future electoral participation by the children of disenfranchised parents may be impacted as well4 7#ac7 ,the ,united ,states is one of the only ,western democracies that permits the permanent denial of voting rights for individuals with felony convictions4 #ejc4 ,rights of citizens ,the right of an individual who is a citizen of the ,united ,states to vote in any election for ,federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless such individual is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility at the time of the election4 #ejd4 ,enforcement 7a7 ,attorney general ,the ,attorney ,general may1 in a civil action1 obtain such declaratory or injunctive relief as is necessary to remedy a violation of this title4 7b7 ,private right of action 7#a7 ,in general ,a person who is aggrieved by a violation of this title may provide written notice of the violation to the chief election official of the ,state involved4 7#b7 ,relief ,except as provided in paragraph 7#c71 if the violation is not corrected within #ij days after receipt of a notice under paragraph 7#a71 or within #bj days after receipt of the notice if the violation occurred within #abj days before the date of an election for ,federal office1 the aggrieved person may1 in a civil action1 obtain declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation4 7#c7 ,exception ,if the violation occurred within #cj days before the date of an election for ,federal office1 the aggrieved person need not provide notice to the chief election official of the ,state under paragraph 7#a7 before bringing a civil action to obtain declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation4 #eje4 ,notification of restoration of voting rights 7a7 ,state notification 7#a7 ,notification ,on the date determined under paragraph 7#b71 each ,state shall-- 7,a7 notify in writing any individual who has been convicted of a criminal offense under the law of that ,state that such individual-- 7i7 has the right to vote in an election for ,federal office pursuant to the ,democracy ,restoration ,act of #bjbd2 and 7ii7 may register to vote in any such election2 and 7,b7 provide such individual with any materials that are necessary to register to vote in any such election4 7#b7 ,date of notification 7,a7 ,felony conviction ,in the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a felony1 the notification required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be given on the date on which the individual-- 7i7 is sentenced to serve only a term of probation2 or 7ii7 is released from the custody of that ,state 7other than to the custody of another ,state or the ,federal ,government to serve a term of imprisonment for a felony conviction74 7,b7 ,misdemeanor conviction ,in the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a misdemeanor1 the notification required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be given on the date on which such individual is sentenced by a ,state court4 7b7 ,federal notification 7#a7 ,notification ,any individual who has been convicted of a criminal offense under ,federal law-- 7,a7 shall be notified in accordance with paragraph 7#b7 that such individual-- 7i7 has the right to vote in an election for ,federal office pursuant to the ,democracy ,restoration ,act of #bjbd2 and 7ii7 may register to vote in any such election2 and 7,b7 shall be provided with any materials that are necessary to register to vote in any such election4 7#b7 ,date of notification 7,a7 ,felony conviction ,in the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a felony1 the notification required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be given-- 7i7 in the case of an individual who is sentenced to serve only a term of probation1 by the ,assistant ,director for the ,office of ,probation and ,pretrial ,services of the ,administrative ,office of the ,united ,states ,courts on the date on which the individual is sentenced2 or 7ii7 in the case of any individual committed to the custody of the ,bureau of ,prisons1 by the ,director of the ,bureau of ,prisons1 during the period beginning on the date that is #f months before such individual is released and ending on the date such individual is released from the custody of the ,bureau of ,prisons4 7,b7 ,misdemeanor conviction ,in the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a misdemeanor1 the notification required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be given on the date on which such individual is sentenced by a court established by an ,act of ,congress4 #ejf4 ,definitions ,for purposes of this title3 7#a7 ,correctional institution or facility ,the term correctional institution or facility means any prison1 penitentiary1 jail1 or other institution or facility for the confinement of individuals convicted of criminal offenses1 whether publicly or privately operated1 except that such term does not include any residential community treatment center 7or similar public or private facility74 7#b7 ,election ,the term election means-- 7,a7 a general1 special1 primary1 or runoff election2 7,b7 a convention or caucus of a political party held to nominate a candidate2 7,c7 a primary election held for the selection of delegates to a national nominating convention of a political party2 or 7,d7 a primary election held for the expression of a preference for the nomination of persons for election to the office of ,president4 7#c7 ,federal office ,the term ,federal office means the office of ,president or ,vice ,president of the ,united ,states1 or of ,senator or ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress of the ,united ,states4 7#d7 ,probation ,the term probation means probation1 imposed by a ,federal1 ,state1 or local court1 with or without a condition on the individual involved concerning-- 7,a7 the individual's freedom of movement2 7,b7 the payment of damages by the individual2 7,c7 periodic reporting by the individual to an officer of the court2 or 7,d7 supervision of the individual by an officer of the court4 #ejg4 ,relation to other laws 7a7 ,state laws relating to voting rights ,nothing in this title be construed to prohibit the ,states from enacting any ,state law which affords the right to vote in any election for ,federal office on terms less restrictive than those established by this title4 7b7 ,certain ,federal ,acts ,the rights and remedies established by this title-- 7#a7 are in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law1 and 7#b7 shall not supersede1 restrict1 or limit the application of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq47 or the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq474 #ejh4 ,federal prison funds ,no ,state1 unit of local government1 or other person may receive or use1 to construct or otherwise improve a prison1 jail1 or other place of incarceration1 any ,federal funds unless that person has in effect a program under which each individual incarcerated in that person's jurisdiction who is a citizen of the ,united ,states is notified1 upon release from such incarceration1 of that individual's rights under section #ejc4 #eji4 ,effective date ,this title shall apply to citizens of the ,united ,states voting in any election for ,federal office held after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,,vi ,promoting ,accuracy1 ,integrity1 and ,security ,through ,voter-,verified ,permanent ,paper ,ballot #fja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,voter ,confidence and ,increased ,accessibility ,act of #bjbd4 #fjb4 ,paper ballot and manual counting requirements 7a7 ,in general ,section #cja7;a77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#b77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 ,paper ballot requirement 7,a7 ,voter-verified paper ballots 7i7 ,paper ballot requirement 7,i7 ,the voting system shall require the use of an individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballot of the voter's vote that shall be marked and made available for inspection and verification by the voter before the voter's vote is cast and counted1 and which shall be counted by hand or read by an optical character recognition device or other counting device4 ,for purposes of this subclause1 the term individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballot means a paper ballot marked by the voter by hand or a paper ballot marked through the use of a nontabulating ballot marking device or system1 so long as the voter shall have the option to mark his or her ballot by hand4 7,,ii7 ,the voting system shall provide the voter with an opportunity to correct any error on the paper ballot before the permanent voter-verified paper ballot is preserved in accordance with clause 7ii74 7,,iii7 ,the voting system shall not preserve the voter-verified paper ballots in any manner that makes it possible1 at any time after the ballot has been cast1 to associate a voter with the record of the voter's vote without the voter's consent4 7,,iv7 ,the voting system shall prevent1 through mechanical means or through independently verified protections1 the modification or addition of vote selections on a printed or marked ballot at any time after the voter has been provided an opportunity to correct errors on the ballot pursuant to subclause 7,,ii74 7ii7 ,preservation as official record ,the individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballot used in accordance with clause 7i7 shall constitute the official ballot and shall be preserved and used as the official ballot for purposes of any recount or audit conducted with respect to any election for ,federal office in which the voting system is used4 7iii7 ,manual counting requirements for recounts and audits 7,i7 ,each paper ballot used pursuant to clause 7i7 shall be suitable for a manual audit1 and shall be counted by hand in any recount or audit conducted with respect to any election for ,federal office4 7,,ii7 ,in the event of any inconsistencies or irregularities between any electronic vote tallies and the vote tallies determined by counting by hand the individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballots used pursuant to clause 7i71 and subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballots shall be the true and correct record of the votes cast4 7iv7 ,application to all ballots ,the requirements of this subparagraph shall apply to all ballots cast in elections for ,federal office1 including ballots cast by absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters under the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act and other absentee voters4 7,b7 ,special rule for treatment of disputes when paper ballots have been shown to be compromised 7i7 ,in general ,in the event that-- 7,i7 there is any inconsistency between any electronic vote tallies and the vote tallies determined by counting by hand the individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballots used pursuant to subparagraph 7,a77i7 with respect to any election for ,federal office2 and 7,,ii7 it is demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence 7as determined in accordance with the applicable standards in the jurisdiction involved7 in any recount1 audit1 or contest of the result of the election that the paper ballots have been compromised 7by damage or mischief or otherwise7 and that a sufficient number of the ballots have been so compromised that the result of the election could be changed1 the determination of the appropriate remedy with respect to the election shall be made in accordance with applicable ,state law1 except that the electronic tally shall not be used as the exclusive basis for determining the official certified result4 7ii7 ,rule for consideration of ballots associated with each voting machine ,for purposes of clause 7i71 only the paper ballots deemed compromised1 if any1 shall be considered in the calculation of whether or not the result of the election could be changed due to the compromised paper ballots4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment clarifying applicability of alternative language accessibility ,section #cja7;a77#d7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#d77 is amended by inserting 7including the paper ballots required to be used under paragraph 7#b77 after voting system4 7c7 ,other conforming amendments ,section #cja7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a77i71 by striking counted and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c72 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,a77ii71 by striking counted and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c72 7#c7 in subparagraph 7,a77iii71 by striking counted each place it appears and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c72 and 7#d7 in subparagraph 7,b77ii71 by striking counted and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c74 #fjc4 ,accessibility and ballot verification for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,in general ,section #cja7;a77#c77;,b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#c77;,b77 is amended to read as follows3 7,b7 7i7 ensure that individuals with disabilities and others are given an equivalent opportunity to vote1 including with privacy and independence1 in a manner that produces a voter-verified paper ballot2 7ii7 satisfy the requirement of subparagraph 7,a7 through the use of at least one voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities1 including nonvisual and enhanced visual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired1 and nonmanual and enhanced manual accessibility for the mobility and dexterity impaired1 at each polling place2 and 7iii7 meet the requirements of subparagraph 7,a7 and paragraph 7#b77;,a7 by using a system that-- 7,i7 allows the voter to privately and independently verify the permanent paper ballot through the presentation1 in accessible form1 of the printed or marked vote selections from the same printed or marked information that would be used for any vote counting or auditing2 and 7,,ii7 allows the voter to privately and independently verify and cast the permanent paper ballot without requiring the voter to manually handle the paper ballot2 4 7b7 ,specific requirement of study1 testing1 and development of accessible voting options 7#a7 ,study and reporting ,subtitle ,c of title ,,ii of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating section #bdg as section #bdh2 and 7,b7 by inserting after section #bdf the following new section3 #bdg4 ,study and report on accessible voting options 7a7 ,grants ,to study and report ,the ,commission1 in coordination with the ,access ,board and the ,cybersecurity and ,infrastructure ,security ,agency1 shall make grants to not fewer than #c eligible entities to study1 test1 and develop accessible and secure remote voting systems and voting1 verification1 and casting devices to enhance the accessibility of voting and verification for individuals with disabilities4 7b7 ,eligibility ,an entity is eligible to receive a grant under this part if it submits to the ,commission 7at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require7 an application containing-- 7#a7 a certification that the entity shall complete the activities carried out with the grant not later than ,january #a1 #bjbg2 and 7#b7 such other information and certifications as the ,commission may require4 7c7 ,availability of technology ,any technology developed with the grants made under this section shall be treated as non-proprietary and shall be made available to the public1 including to manufacturers of voting systems4 7d7 ,coordination with grants for technology improvements ,the ,commission shall carry out this section so that the activities carried out with the grants made under subsection 7a7 are coordinated with the research conducted under the grant program carried out by the ,commission under section #bga1 to the extent that the ,commission determine necessary to provide for the advancement of accessible voting technology4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection 7a7 #aj1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating the item relating to section #bdg as relating to section #bdh2 and 7,b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #bdf the following new item3 ,sec4 #bdg4 ,study and report on accessible voting options4 4 7c7 ,clarification of accessibility standards under voluntary voting system guidance ,in adopting any voluntary guidance under subtitle ,b of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act with respect to the accessibility of the paper ballot verification requirements for individuals with disabilities1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall include and apply the same accessibility standards applicable under the voluntary guidance adopted for accessible voting systems under such subtitle4 7d7 ,permitting use of funds for protection and advocacy systems ,to support actions ,to enforce election-,related disability access ,section #bib7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajfb7;a77 is amended by striking 2 except that and all that follows and inserting a period4 #fjd4 ,durability and readability requirements for ballots ,section #cja7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#g7 ,durability and readability requirements for ballots 7,a7 ,durability requirements for paper ballots 7i7 ,in general ,all voter-verified paper ballots required to be used under this ,act shall be marked or printed on durable paper4 7ii7 ,definition ,for purposes of this ,act1 paper is durable if it is capable of withstanding multiple counts and recounts by hand without compromising the fundamental integrity of the ballots1 and capable of retaining the information marked or printed on them for the full duration of a retention and preservation period of #bb months4 7,b7 ,readability requirements for paper ballots marked by ballot marking device ,all voter-verified paper ballots completed by the voter through the use of a ballot marking device shall be clearly readable by the voter without assistance 7other than eyeglasses or other personal vision enhancing devices7 and by an optical character recognition device or other device equipped for individuals with disabilities4 4 #fje4 ,study and report on optimal ballot design 7a7 ,study ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall conduct a study of the best ways to design ballots used in elections for public office1 including paper ballots and electronic or digital ballots1 to minimize confusion and user errors4 7b7 ,report ,not later than ,january #a1 #bjbe1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall submit to ,congress a report on the study conducted under subsection 7a74 #fjf4 ,paper ballot printing requirements ,section #cja7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a771 as amended by section #fjd1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#h7 ,printing requirements for ballots ,all paper ballots used in an election for ,federal office shall be printed in the ,united ,states on paper manufactured in the ,united ,states4 4 #fjg4 ,effective date for new requirements ,section #cja7;d7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;d77 is amended to read as follows3 7d7 ,effective ,date 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 each ,state and jurisdiction shall be required to comply with the requirements of this section on and after ,january #a1 #bjjf4 7#b7 ,special rule for certain requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c71 the requirements of this section which are first imposed on a ,state and jurisdiction pursuant to the amendments made by the ,voter ,confidence and ,increased ,accessibility ,act of #bjbd shall apply with respect to voting systems used for any election for ,federal office held in #bjbf or any succeeding year4 7,b7 ,delay for jurisdictions using certain paper record printers or certain systems using or producing voter-verifiable paper records in #bjbd 7i7 ,delay ,in the case of a jurisdiction described in clause 7ii71 subparagraph 7,a7 shall apply to a voting system in the jurisdiction as if the reference in such subparagraph to #bjbf were a reference to #bjbh1 but only with respect to the following requirements of this section3 7,i7 ,paragraph 7#b77;,a77i77,i7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to the use of voter-verified paper ballots74 7,,ii7 ,paragraph 7#c77;,b77iii77,i7 and 7,,ii7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to access to verification from and casting of the durable paper ballot74 7,,iii7 ,paragraph 7#g7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to durability and readability requirements for ballots74 7ii7 ,jurisdictions described ,a jurisdiction described in this clause is a jurisdiction-- 7,i7 which used voter verifiable paper record printers attached to direct recording electronic voting machines1 or which used other voting systems that used or produced paper records of the vote verifiable by voters but that are not in compliance with paragraphs 7#b77;,a77i77,i71 7#c77;,b77iii77i7 and 7,,ii71 and 7#g7 of subsection 7a7 7as amended or added by the ,voter ,confidence and ,increased ,accessibility ,act of #bjba71 for the administration of the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbd2 and 7,,ii7 which will continue to use such printers or systems for the administration of elections for ,federal office held in years before #bjbh4 7iii7 ,mandatory availability of paper ballots at polling places using grandfathered printers and systems 7,i7 ,requiring ballots to be offered and provided ,the appropriate election official at each polling place that uses a printer or system described in clause 7ii77,i7 for the administration of elections for ,federal office shall offer each individual who is eligible to cast a vote in the election at the polling place the opportunity to cast the vote using a blank pre-printed paper ballot which the individual may mark by hand and which is not produced by the direct recording electronic voting machine or other such system4 ,the official shall provide the individual with the ballot and the supplies necessary to mark the ballot1 and shall ensure 7to the greatest extent practicable7 that the waiting period for the individual to cast a vote is the lesser of #cj minutes or the average waiting period for an individual who does not agree to cast the vote using such a paper ballot under this clause4 7,,ii7 ,treatment of ballot ,any paper ballot which is cast by an individual under this clause shall be counted and otherwise treated as a regular ballot for all purposes 7including by incorporating it into the final unofficial vote count 7as defined by the ,state7 for the precinct7 and not as a provisional ballot1 unless the individual casting the ballot would have otherwise been required to cast a provisional ballot4 7,,iii7 ,posting of notice ,the appropriate election official shall ensure there is prominently displayed at each polling place a notice that describes the obligation of the official to offer individuals the opportunity to cast votes using a pre-printed blank paper ballot4 7,,iv7 ,training of election officials ,the chief ,state election official shall ensure that election officials at polling places in the ,state are aware of the requirements of this clause1 including the requirement to display a notice under subclause 7,,iii71 and are aware that it is a violation of the requirements of this title for an election official to fail to offer an individual the opportunity to cast a vote using a blank pre-printed paper ballot4 7,v7 ,period of applicability ,the requirements of this clause apply only during the period in which the delay is in effect under clause 7i74 7,c7 ,special rule for jurisdictions using certain nontabulating ballot marking devices ,in the case of a jurisdiction which uses a nontabulating ballot marking device which automatically deposits the ballot into a privacy sleeve1 subparagraph 7,a7 shall apply to a voting system in the jurisdiction as if the reference in such subparagraph to any election for ,federal office held in #bjbf or any succeeding year were a reference to elections for ,federal office occurring held in #bjbh or each succeeding year1 but only with respect to paragraph 7#c77;,b77iii77,,ii7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to nonmanual casting of the durable paper ballot74 4 ,,vii ,provisional ,ballots #gja4 ,requirements for counting provisional ballots2 establishment of uniform and nondiscriminatory standards 7a7 ,in general ,section #cjb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7d7 as subsection 7f72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7c7 the following new subsections3 7d7 ,statewide counting of provisional ballots 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of subsection 7a77#d71 notwithstanding the precinct or polling place at which a provisional ballot is cast within the ,state1 the appropriate election official of the jurisdiction in which the individual is registered shall count each vote on such ballot for each election in which the individual who cast such ballot is eligible to vote4 7#b7 ,effective date ,this subsection shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbe4 7e7 ,uniform and nondiscriminatory standards 7#a7 ,in general ,consistent with the requirements of this section1 each ,state shall establish uniform and nondiscriminatory standards for the issuance1 handling1 and counting of provisional ballots4 7#b7 ,effective date ,this subsection shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbe4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #cjb7;f7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;f771 as redesignated by subsection 7a71 is amended by striking ,each ,state and inserting ,except as provided in subsections 7d77#b7 and 7e77#b71 each ,state4 ,,viii ,early ,voting #hja4 ,early voting 7a7 ,requirements ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a71 section #bja7;a71 section #bjb7;a71 section #bjc7;a77#a71 and section #bjd7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cji and #caj as sections #caj and #caa1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjh the following new section3 #cji4 ,early voting 7a7 ,requiring ,voting ,prior to ,date of ,election 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall allow individuals to vote in an election for ,federal office during an early voting period which occurs prior to the date of the election1 in the same manner as voting is allowed on such date4 7#b7 ,length of period ,the early voting period required under this subsection with respect to an election shall consist of a period of consecutive days 7including weekends7 which begins on the #aeth day before the date of the election 7or1 at the option of the ,state1 on a day prior to the #aeth day before the date of the election7 and ends on the date of the election4 7b7 ,minimum early voting requirements ,each polling place which allows voting during an early voting period under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 allow such voting for no less than #aj hours on each day2 7#b7 have uniform hours each day for which such voting occurs2 and 7#c7 allow such voting to be held for some period of time prior to #i3jj a4m 7local time7 and some period of time after #e3jj p4m4 7local time74 7c7 ,location of polling places 7#a7 ,proximity to public transportation ,to the greatest extent practicable1 a ,state shall ensure that each polling place which allows voting during an early voting period under subsection 7a7 is located within walking distance of a stop on a public transportation route4 7#b7 ,availability in rural areas ,the ,state shall ensure that polling places which allow voting during an early voting period under subsection 7a7 will be located in rural areas of the ,state1 and shall ensure that such polling places are located in communities which will provide the greatest opportunity for residents of rural areas to vote during the early voting period4 7d7 ,standards 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall issue standards for the administration of voting prior to the day scheduled for a ,federal election4 ,such standards shall include the nondiscriminatory geographic placement of polling places at which such voting occurs4 7#b7 ,deviation ,the standards described in paragraph 7#a7 shall permit ,states1 upon providing adequate public notice1 to deviate from any requirement in the case of unforeseen circumstances such as a natural disaster1 terrorist attack1 or a change in voter turnout4 7e7 ,ballot processing and scanning requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,state shall begin processing and scanning ballots cast during in-person early voting for tabulation at least #ad days prior to the date of the election involved4 7#b7 ,limitation ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed to permit a ,state to tabulate ballots in an election before the closing of the polls on the date of the election4 7f7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbf and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments relating to issuance of voluntary guidance by ,election ,assistance ,commission ,section #cba7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7;b771 as redesignated and amended by section #bja7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#c72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#d7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 except as provided in paragraph 7#d71 in the case of the recommendations with respect to any section added by the ,voter ,empowerment ,act of #bjbd1 ,june #cj1 #bjbf4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c71 section #bja7;d71 section #bjb7;c71 section #bjc7;a77#c71 and section #bjd7;c71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cji and #caj as relating to sections #caj and #caa1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjh the following new item3 ,sec4 #cji4 ,early voting4 4 ,,ix ,voting by ,mail #ija4 ,voting by mail 7a7 ,requirements ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a71 section #bja7;a71 section #bjb7;a71 section #bjc7;a77#a71 section #bjd7;a71 and section #hja7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #caj and #caa as sections #caa and #cab1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cji the following new section3 #caj4 ,promoting ability of voters to vote by mail 7a7 ,uniform availability of absentee voting to all voters 7#a7 ,in general ,if an individual in a ,state is eligible to cast a vote in an election for ,federal office1 the ,state may not impose any additional conditions or requirements on the eligibility of the individual to cast the vote in such election by absentee ballot by mail4 7#b7 ,administration of voting by mail 7,a7 ,prohibiting identification requirement as condition of obtaining ballot ,a ,state may not require an individual to provide any form of identification as a condition of obtaining an absentee ballot1 except that nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prevent a ,state from requiring a signature of the individual or similar affirmation as a condition of obtaining an absentee ballot4 7,b7 ,prohibiting requirement to provide notarization or witness signature as condition of obtaining or casting ballot ,a ,state may not require notarization or witness signature or other formal authentication 7other than voter attestation7 as a condition of obtaining or casting an absentee ballot4 7,c7 ,deadline for returning ballot ,a ,state may impose a reasonable deadline for requesting the absentee ballot and related voting materials from the appropriate ,state or local election official and for returning the ballot to the appropriate ,state or local election official4 7#c7 ,no effect on identification requirements for first-time voters registering by mail ,nothing in this subsection may be construed to exempt any individual described in paragraph 7#a7 of section #cjc7;b7 from meeting the requirements of paragraph 7#b7 of such section4 7b7 ,due process requirements for ,states requiring signature verification 7#a7 ,requirement 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,state may not impose a signature verification requirement as a condition of accepting and counting an absentee ballot submitted by any individual with respect to an election for ,federal office unless the ,state meets the due process requirements described in paragraph 7#b74 7,b7 ,signature verification requirement described ,in this subsection1 a signature verification requirement is a requirement that an election official verify the identification of an individual by comparing the individual's signature on the absentee ballot with the individual's signature on the official list of registered voters in the ,state or another official record or other document used by the ,state to verify the signatures of voters4 7#b7 ,due process requirements 7,a7 ,notice and opportunity to cure discrepancy in signatures ,if an individual submits an absentee ballot and the appropriate ,state or local election official determines that a discrepancy exists between the signature on such ballot and the signature of such individual on the official list of registered voters in the ,state or other official record or document used by the ,state to verify the signatures of voters1 such election official1 prior to making a final determination as to the validity of such ballot1 shall-- 7i7 make a good faith effort to immediately notify the individual by mail1 telephone1 and 7if available7 text message and electronic mail that-- 7,i7 a discrepancy exists between the signature on such ballot and the signature of the individual on the official list of registered voters in the ,state or other official record or document used by the ,state to verify the signatures of voters2 and 7,,ii7 if such discrepancy is not cured prior to the expiration of the #aj-;day period which begins on the date the official notifies the individual of the discrepancy1 such ballot will not be counted2 and 7ii7 cure such discrepancy and count the ballot if1 prior to the expiration of the #aj-;day period described in clause 7i77,,ii71 the individual provides the official with information to cure such discrepancy1 either in person1 by telephone1 or by electronic methods4 7,b7 ,notice and opportunity to cure missing signature or other defect ,if an individual submits an absentee ballot without a signature or submits an absentee ballot with another defect which1 if left uncured1 would cause the ballot to not be counted1 the appropriate ,state or local election official1 prior to making a final determination as to the validity of the ballot1 shall-- 7i7 make a good faith effort to immediately notify the individual by mail1 telephone1 and 7if available7 text message and electronic mail that-- 7,i7 the ballot did not include a signature or has some other defect2 and 7,,ii7 if the individual does not provide the missing signature or cure the other defect prior to the expiration of the #aj-;day period which begins on the date the official notifies the individual that the ballot did not include a signature or has some other defect1 such ballot will not be counted2 and 7ii7 count the ballot if1 prior to the expiration of the #aj-;day period described in clause 7i77,,ii71 the individual provides the official with the missing signature on a form proscribed by the ,state or cures the other defect4 ,this subparagraph does not apply with respect to a defect consisting of the failure of a ballot to meet the applicable deadline for the acceptance of the ballot1 as described in subsection 7e74 7,c7 ,other requirements ,an election official may not make a determination that a discrepancy exists between the signature on an absentee ballot and the signature of the individual who submits the ballot on the official list of registered voters in the ,state or other official record or other document used by the ,state to verify the signatures of voters unless-- 7i7 at least #b election officials make the determination2 7ii7 each official who makes the determination has received training in procedures used to verify signatures2 and 7iii7 of the officials who make the determination1 at least one is affiliated with the political party whose candidate received the most votes in the most recent statewide election for ,federal office held in the ,state and at least one is affiliated with the political party whose candidate received the second most votes in the most recent statewide election for ,federal office held in the ,state4 7#c7 ,report 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #abj days after the end of a ,federal election cycle1 each chief ,state election official shall submit to the ,commission a report containing the following information for the applicable ,federal election cycle in the ,state3 7i7 ,the number of ballots invalidated due to a discrepancy under this subsection4 7ii7 ,description of attempts to contact voters to provide notice as required by this subsection4 7iii7 ,description of the cure process developed by such ,state pursuant to this subsection1 including the number of ballots determined valid as a result of such process4 7,b7 ,submission to ,congress ,not later than #aj days after receiving a report under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commission shall transmit such report to ,congress4 7,c7 ,federal election cycle defined ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term ,federal election cycle means the period beginning on ,january #a of any odd numbered year and ending on ,december #ca of the following year4 7#d7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed-- 7,a7 to prohibit a ,state from rejecting a ballot attempted to be cast in an election for ,federal office by an individual who is not eligible to vote in the election2 or 7,b7 to prohibit a ,state from providing an individual with more time and more methods for curing a discrepancy in the individual's signature1 providing a missing signature1 or curing any other defect than the ,state is required to provide under this subsection4 7c7 ,online applications for absentee ballots 7#a7 ,in general ,in addition to such other methods as the ,state may establish for an individual to apply for an absentee ballot1 the ,state shall permit an individual to submit an application for an absentee ballot online4 7#b7 ,treatment of websites ,the ,state shall be considered to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#a7 if the website of the appropriate ,state or local election official allows an application for an absentee ballot to be completed and submitted online and if the website permits the individual-- 7,a7 to print the application so that the individual may complete the application and return it to the official2 or 7,b7 to request that a paper copy of the application be transmitted to the individual by mail or electronic mail so that the individual may complete the application and return it to the official4 7#c7 ,ensuring delivery prior to election ,if an individual who is eligible to vote in an election for ,federal office submits an application for an absentee ballot in the election1 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall ensure that the ballot and relating voting materials are received by the individual prior to the date of the election so long as the individual's application is received by the official not later than #e days 7excluding ,saturdays1 ,sundays1 and legal public holidays7 before the date of the election1 except that nothing in this paragraph shall preclude a ,state or local jurisdiction from allowing for the acceptance and processing of absentee ballot applications submitted or received after such required period4 7#d7 ,application for all future elections ,at the option of an individual1 a ,state shall treat the individual's application to vote by absentee ballot by mail in an election for ,federal office as an application for an absentee ballot by mail in all subsequent ,federal elections held in the ,state4 7d7 ,accessibility for individuals with disabilities ,the ,state shall ensure that all absentee ballot applications1 absentee ballots1 and related voting materials in elections for ,federal office are accessible to individuals with disabilities in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including with privacy and independence7 as for other voters4 7e7 ,uniform deadline for acceptance of mailed ballots 7#a7 ,in ,general ,a ,state may not refuse to accept or process a ballot submitted by an individual by mail with respect to an election for ,federal office in the ,state on the grounds that the individual did not meet a deadline for returning the ballot to the appropriate ,state or local election official if-- 7,a7 the ballot is postmarked or otherwise indicated by the ,united ,states ,postal ,service to have been mailed on or before the date of the election1 or has been signed by the voter on or before the date of the election2 and 7,b7 the ballot is received by the appropriate election official prior to the expiration of the #aj-;day period which begins on the date of the election4 7#b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit a ,state from having a law that allows for counting of ballots in an election for ,federal office that are received through the mail after the date that is #aj days after the date of the election4 7f7 ,alternative methods of returning ballots 7#a7 ,in general ,in addition to permitting an individual to whom a ballot in an election was provided under this section to return the ballot to an election official by mail1 the ,state shall permit the individual to cast the ballot by delivering the ballot at such times and to such locations as the ,state may establish1 including-- 7,a7 permitting the individual to deliver the ballot to a polling place on any date on which voting in the election is held at the polling place2 and 7,b7 permitting the individual to deliver the ballot to a designated ballot drop-off location1 a tribally-designated building1 or the office of a ,state or local election official4 7#b7 ,permitting voters to designate other person to return ballot ,the ,state-- 7,a7 shall permit a voter to designate any person to return a voted and sealed absentee ballot to the post office1 a ballot drop-off location1 tribally designated building1 or election office so long as the person designated to return the ballot does not receive any form of compensation based on the number of ballots that the person has returned and no individual1 group1 or organization provides compensation on this basis2 and 7,b7 may not put any limit on how many voted and sealed absentee ballots any designated person can return to the post office1 a ballot drop off location1 tribally designated building1 or election office4 7g7 ,ballot processing and scanning requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,state shall begin processing and scanning ballots cast by mail for tabulation at least #ad days prior to the date of the election involved4 7#b7 ,limitation ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed to permit a ,state to tabulate ballots in an election before the closing of the polls on the date of the election4 7h7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the authority of ,states to conduct elections for ,federal office through the use of polling places at which individuals cast ballots4 7i7 ,no effect on ballots submitted by absent military and overseas voters ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect the treatment of any ballot submitted by an individual who is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq474 7j7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbf and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c71 section #bja7;d71 section #bjb7;c71 section #bjc7;a77#c71 section #bjd7;c71 and section #hja7;c71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #caj and #caa as relating to sections #caa and #cab1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cji the following new item3 ,sec4 #caj4 ,promoting ability of voters to vote by mail4 4 7c7 ,development of alternative verification methods 7#a7 ,development of standards ,the ,national ,institute of ,standards1 in consultation with the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 shall develop standards for the use of alternative methods which could be used in place of signature verification requirements for purposes of verifying the identification of an individual voting by absentee ballot in elections for ,federal office4 7#b7 ,public notice and comment ,the ,national ,institute of ,standards shall solicit comments from the public in the development of standards under paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,deadline ,not later than #f months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,national ,institute of ,standards shall publish the standards developed under paragraph 7#a74 #ijb4 ,absentee ballot tracking program 7a7 ,requirements ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a71 section #bja7;a71 section #bjb7;a71 section #bjc7;a77#a71 section #bjd7;a71 section #hja7;a71 and section #ija7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #caa and #cab as sections #cab and #cac1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #caj the following new section3 #caa4 ,absentee ballot tracking program 7a7 ,requirement ,each ,state shall carry out a program to track and confirm the receipt of absentee ballots in an election for ,federal office under which the ,state or local election official responsible for the receipt of voted absentee ballots in the election carries out procedures to track and confirm the receipt of such ballots1 and makes information on the receipt of such ballots available to the individual who cast the ballot1 by means of online access using the ,internet site of the official's office4 7b7 ,information on whether vote was accepted ,the information referred to under subsection 7a7 with respect to the receipt of an absentee ballot shall include information regarding whether the vote cast on the ballot was accepted1 and1 in the case of a vote which was rejected1 the reasons therefor4 7c7 ,use of ,toll-,free ,telephone ,number by ,officials ,without ,internet ,site ,a program established by a ,state or local election official whose office does not have an ,internet site may meet the requirements of subsection 7a7 if the official has established a toll-free telephone number that may be used by an individual who cast an absentee ballot to obtain the information on the receipt of the voted absentee ballot as provided under such subsection4 7d7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbf and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,reimbursement for costs incurred by ,states in establishing program ,subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aedja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new part3 #g ,payments ,to ,reimburse ,states for ,costs ,incurred in ,establishing ,program ,to ,track and ,confirm ,receipt of ,absentee ,ballots #big4 ,payments to ,states 7a7 ,payments for ,costs of ,program ,in accordance with this section1 the ,commission shall make a payment to a ,state to reimburse the ,state for the costs incurred in establishing the absentee ballot tracking program under section #caa 7including costs incurred prior to the date of the enactment of this part74 7b7 ,certification of ,compliance and ,costs 7#a7 ,certification required ,in order to receive a payment under this section1 a ,state shall submit to the ,commission a statement containing-- 7,a7 a certification that the ,state has established an absentee ballot tracking program with respect to elections for ,federal office held in the ,state2 and 7,b7 a statement of the costs incurred by the ,state in establishing the program4 7#b7 ,amount of payment ,the amount of a payment made to a ,state under this section shall be equal to the costs incurred by the ,state in establishing the absentee ballot tracking program1 as set forth in the statement submitted under paragraph 7#a71 except that such amount may not exceed the product of-- 7,a7 the number of jurisdictions in the ,state which are responsible for operating the program2 and 7,b7 #c1jjj4 7#c7 ,limit on number of payments received ,a ,state may not receive more than one payment under this part4 #big;,a4 ,authorization of ,appropriations 7a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,commission for fiscal year #bjbe and each succeeding fiscal year such sums as may be necessary for payments under this part4 7b7 ,continuing ,availability of ,funds ,any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization under this section shall remain available until expended4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c71 section #bja7;d71 section #bjb7;c71 section #bjc7;a77#c71 section #bjd7;c71 section #hja7;c71 and section #ija7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by adding at the end of the items relating to subtitle ,d of title ,,ii the following3 ,part #g--,payments ,to ,reimburse ,states for ,costs ,incurred in ,establishing ,program ,to ,track and ,confirm ,receipt of ,absentee ,ballots ,sec4 #big4 ,payments to ,states4 ,sec4 #big;,a4 ,authorization of appropriations4 2 7#b7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #caa and #cab as relating to sections #cab and #cac1 respectively2 and 7#c7 by inserting after the item relating to section #caj the following new item3 ,sec4 #caa4 ,absentee ballot tracking program4 4 #ijc4 ,election mail and delivery improvements 7a7 ,postmark required for ballots 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #cd of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #cdjg4 ,postmark required for ballots 7a7 ,in general ,in the case of any absentee ballot carried by the ,postal ,service1 the ,postal ,service shall indicate on the ballot envelope1 using a postmark or otherwise-- 7#a7 the fact that the ballot was carried by the ,postal ,service2 and 7#b7 the date on which the ballot was mailed4 7b7 ,definitions ,as used in this section-- 7#a7 the term absentee ballot means any ballot transmitted by a voter by mail in an election for ,federal office1 but does not include any ballot covered by section #cdjf2 and 7#b7 the term election for ,federal office means a general1 special1 primary1 or runoff election for the office of ,president or ,vice ,president1 or of ,senator or ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress4 4 7#b7 ,technical and conforming amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #cd of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #cdjg4 ,postmark required for ballots4 4 7#c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subsection shall apply to absentee ballots relating to an election for ,federal office occurring on or after ,january #a1 #bjbe4 7b7 ,greater visibility for ballots 7#a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a71 section #bja7;a71 section #bjb7;a71 section #bjc7;a77#a71 section #bjd7;a71 section #hja7;a71 section #ija7;a71 and section #ijb7;a71 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating sections #cab and #cac as sections #cac and #cad1 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after section #caa the following new section3 #cab4 ,ballot visibility 7a7 ,in general ,each ,state or local election official shall-- 7#a7 affix ,tag #aia1 ,domestic and ,international ,mail-,in ,ballots 7or any successor tag designated by the ,united ,states ,postal ,service71 to any tray or sack of ballot mail relating to an election for ,federal office that is destined for a domestic or international address2 7#b7 use the ,official ,election ,mail logo to designate mail pieces relating to an election for ,federal office that is destined for a domestic or international address2 and 7#c7 if an intelligent mail barcode is utilized for any mail relating to an election for ,federal office that is destined for a domestic or international address1 ensure the specific ballot service type identifier for such mail is visible4 7b7 ,effective date ,the requirements of this section shall apply to elections for ,federal office occurring on and after ,january #a1 #bjbe4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c71 section #bja7;d71 section #bjb7;c71 section #bjc7;a77#c71 section #bjd7;c71 section #hja7;c71 section #ija7;b7 and section #ijb7;c71 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cab and #cac as relating to sections #cac and #cad2 and 7,b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #caa the following new item3 ,sec4 #cab4 ,ballot visibility4 4 #ijd4 ,voting materials postage 7a7 ,prepayment of postage on return envelopes 7#a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a71 section #bja7;a71 section #bjb7;a71 section #bjc7;a77#a71 section #bjd7;a71 section #hja7;a71 section #ija7;a71 section #ijb7;a71 and section #ijc7;b71 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating sections #cac and #cad as sections #cad and #cae1 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after section #cab the following new section3 #cac4 ,prepayment of postage on return envelopes for voting materials 7a7 ,provision of return envelopes 7#a7 ,in general ,the appropriate ,state or local election official shall provide a self-sealing return envelope with-- 7,a7 any voter registration application form transmitted to a registrant by mail2 7,b7 any application for an absentee ballot transmitted to an applicant by mail2 and 7,c7 any blank absentee ballot transmitted to a voter by mail4 7#b7 ,reasonable efforts ,a ,state shall be treated as meeting the requirements of paragraph 7#a7 if the ,state makes all reasonable efforts to provide self-sealing return envelopes as provided in such paragraph4 7b7 ,prepayment of postage ,consistent with regulations of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 the ,state or the unit of local government responsible for the administration of the election involved shall prepay the postage on any envelope provided under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,no effect on ballots or balloting materials transmitted to absent military and overseas voters ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect the treatment of any ballot or balloting materials transmitted to an individual who is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq474 7d7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is #ij days after the date of the enactment of this section1 except that ,state and local jurisdictions shall make arrangements with the ,united ,states ,postal ,service to pay for all postage costs that such jurisdictions would be required to pay under this section if this section took effect on the date of enactment4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c71 section #bja7;d71 section #bjb7;c71 section #bjc7;a77#c71 section #bjd7;c71 section #hja7;c71 section #ija7;b71 section #ijb7;c71 and section #ijc7;b71 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cac and #cad as relating to sections #cad and #cae1 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cab the following new item3 ,sec4 #cac4 ,prepayment of postage on return envelopes for voting materials4 4 7b7 ,role of ,united ,states ,postal ,service 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #cd of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #ijc7;a71 is amended by inserting after section #cdjg the following3 #cdjh4 ,carriage of voting materials 7a7 ,treatment as first-,class mail ,any voter registration application1 absentee ballot application1 or absentee ballot with respect to any election for ,federal office shall be carried in accordance with the service standards established for first-class mail1 regardless of the class of postage prepaid4 7b7 ,definitions ,as used in this section1 the terms absentee ballot and election for ,federal office have the meanings given those terms in section #cdjg4 7c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect the treatment of any ballot or balloting materials transmitted to an individual who is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq474 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #cd of such title1 as amended by section #ijc7;a71 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cdjg the following3 #cdjh4 ,carriage of voting materials4 4 ,x ,absent ,uniformed ,services ,voters and ,overseas ,voters #ajja4 ,pre-election reports on availability and transmission of absentee ballots ,section #ajb7;c7 of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7;c77 is amended to read as follows3 7c7 ,reports on ,availability1 transmission1 and receipt of absentee ballots 7#a7 ,pre-election report on absentee ballot availability ,not later than #ee days before any regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 each ,state shall submit a report to the ,attorney ,general1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission 7hereafter in this subsection referred to as the ,commission71 and the ,presidential ,designee1 and make that report publicly available that same day1 certifying that absentee ballots for the election are or will be available for transmission to absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters by not later than #de days before the election4 ,the report shall be in a form prescribed jointly by the ,attorney ,general and the ,commission and shall require the ,state to certify specific information about ballot availability from each unit of local government which will administer the election4 7#b7 ,pre-election report on absentee ballot transmission ,not later than #dc days before any regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 each ,state shall submit a report to the ,attorney ,general1 the ,commission1 and the ,presidential ,designee1 and make that report publicly available that same day1 certifying whether all absentee ballots have been transmitted by not later than #de days before the election to all qualified absent uniformed services and overseas voters whose requests were received at least #de days before the election4 ,the report shall be in a form prescribed jointly by the ,attorney ,general and the ,commission1 and shall require the ,state to certify specific information about ballot transmission1 including the total numbers of ballot requests received and ballots transmitted1 from each unit of local government which will administer the election4 7#c7 ,post-election report on number of absentee ballots transmitted and received ,not later than #ij days after the date of each regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 each ,state and unit of local government which administered the election shall 7through the ,state1 in the case of a unit of local government7 submit a report to the ,attorney ,general1 the ,commission1 and the ,presidential ,designee on the combined number of absentee ballots transmitted to absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters for the election and the combined number of such ballots which were returned by such voters and cast in the election1 and shall make such report available to the general public that same day4 4 #ajjb4 ,enforcement 7a7 ,availability of civil penalties and private rights of action ,section #aje of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjg7 is amended to read as follows3 #aje4 ,enforcement 7a7 ,action by ,attorney ,general 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,attorney ,general may bring civil action in an appropriate district court for such declaratory or injunctive relief as may be necessary to carry out this title4 7#b7 ,penalty ,in a civil action brought under paragraph 7#a71 if the court finds that the ,state violated any provision of this title1 it may1 to vindicate the public interest1 assess a civil penalty against the ,state-- 7,a7 in an amount not to exceed #aaj1jjj for each such violation1 in the case of a first violation2 or 7,b7 in an amount not to exceed #bbj1jjj for each such violation1 for any subsequent violation4 7#c7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than ,december #ca of each year1 the ,attorney ,general shall submit to ,congress an annual report on any civil action brought under paragraph 7#a7 during the preceding year4 7b7 ,private right of action ,a person who is aggrieved by a ,state's violation of this title may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for such declaratory or injunctive relief as may be necessary to carry out this title4 7c7 ,state as only necessary defendant ,in any action brought under this section1 the only necessary party defendant is the ,state1 and it shall not be a defense to any such action that a local election official or a unit of local government is not named as a defendant1 notwithstanding that a ,state has exercised the authority described in section #egf of the ,military and ,overseas ,voter ,empowerment ,act to delegate to another jurisdiction in the ,state any duty or responsibility which is the subject of an action brought under this section4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to violations alleged to have occurred on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ajjc4 ,revisions to #de-;day absentee ballot transmission rule 7a7 ,repeal of waiver authority 7#a7 ,in general ,section #ajb of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7 is amended by striking subsection 7g74 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ajb7;a77#h77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7;a77#h77;,a77 is amended by striking except as provided in subsection 7g714 7b7 ,requiring use of express delivery in case of failure ,to meet requirement ,section #ajb of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb71 as amended by subsection 7a71 is amended by inserting after subsection 7f7 the following new subsection3 7g7 ,requiring use of express delivery in case of failure ,to transmit ballots within deadlines 7#a7 ,transmission of ballot by express delivery ,if a ,state fails to meet the requirement of subsection 7a77#h77;,a7 to transmit a validly requested absentee ballot to an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter not later than #de days before the election 7in the case in which the request is received at least #de days before the election7-- 7,a7 the ,state shall transmit the ballot to the voter by express delivery2 or 7,b7 in the case of a voter who has designated that absentee ballots be transmitted electronically in accordance with subsection 7f77#a71 the ,state shall transmit the ballot to the voter electronically4 7#b7 ,special rule for transmission fewer than #dj days before the election ,if1 in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 a ,state transmits an absentee ballot to an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter fewer than #dj days before the election1 the ,state shall enable the ballot to be returned by the voter by express delivery1 except that in the case of an absentee ballot of an absent uniformed services voter for a regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 the ,state may satisfy the requirement of this paragraph by notifying the voter of the procedures for the collection and delivery of such ballots under section #ajc;,a4 7#c7 ,payment for use of express delivery ,the ,state shall be responsible for the payment of the costs associated with the use of express delivery for the transmittal of ballots under this subsection4 4 7c7 ,clarification of treatment of weekends ,section #ajb7;a77#h77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7;a77#h77;,a77 is amended by striking the election2 and inserting the following3 the election 7or1 if the #deth day preceding the election is a weekend or legal public holiday1 not later than the most recent weekday which precedes such #deth day and which is not a legal public holiday1 but only if the request is received by at least such most recent weekday724 #ajjd4 ,use of single absentee ballot application for subsequent elections 7a7 ,in general ,section #ajd of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjf7 is amended to read as follows3 #ajd4 ,use of single application for subsequent elections 7a7 ,in general ,if a ,state accepts and processes an official post card form 7prescribed under section #aja7 submitted by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter for simultaneous voter registration and absentee ballot application 7in accordance with section #ajb7;a77#d77 and the voter requests that the application be considered an application for an absentee ballot for each subsequent election for ,federal office held in the ,state through the next regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office 7including any runoff elections which may occur as a result of the outcome of such general election71 the ,state shall provide an absentee ballot to the voter for each such subsequent election4 7b7 ,exception for voters changing registration ,subsection 7a7 shall not apply with respect to a voter registered to vote in a ,state for any election held after the voter notifies the ,state that the voter no longer wishes to be registered to vote in the ,state or after the ,state determines that the voter has registered to vote in another ,state or is otherwise no longer eligible to vote in the ,state4 7c7 ,prohibition of refusal of application on grounds of early submission ,a ,state may not refuse to accept or to process1 with respect to any election for ,federal office1 any otherwise valid voter registration application or absentee ballot application 7including the postcard form prescribed under section #aja7 submitted by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter on the grounds that the voter submitted the application before the first date on which the ,state otherwise accepts or processes such applications for that election which are submitted by absentee voters who are not members of the uniformed services or overseas citizens4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to voter registration and absentee ballot applications which are submitted to a ,state or local election official on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ajje4 ,extending guarantee of residency for voting purposes to family members of absent military personnel ,section #ajb of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7j7 ,guarantee of residency for spouses and dependents of absent members of uniformed service ,for the purposes of voting for in any election for any ,federal office or any ,state or local office1 a spouse or dependent of an individual who is an absent uniformed services voter described in subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 of section #ajg7a7 shall not1 solely by reason of that individual's absence and without regard to whether or not such spouse or dependent is accompanying that individual-- 7#a7 be deemed to have lost a residence or domicile in that ,state1 without regard to whether or not that individual intends to return to that ,state2 7#b7 be deemed to have acquired a residence or domicile in any other ,state2 or 7#c7 be deemed to have become a resident in or a resident of any other ,state4 4 #ajjf4 ,requiring transmission of blank absentee ballots under ,,uocava to certain voters 7a7 ,in general ,the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #ajc;,b the following new section3 #ajc;,c4 ,transmission of blank absentee ballots to certain other voters 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,state responsibilities ,subject to the provisions of this section1 each ,state shall transmit blank absentee ballots electronically to qualified individuals who request such ballots in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions under which the ,state transmits such ballots electronically to absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters under the provisions of section #ajb7;f71 except that no such marked ballots shall be returned electronically4 7#b7 ,requirements ,any blank absentee ballot transmitted to a qualified individual under this section-- 7,a7 must comply with the language requirements under section #bjc of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajejc72 and 7,b7 must comply with the disability requirements under section #ejh of the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gid;d74 7#c7 ,affirmation ,the ,state may not transmit a ballot to a qualified individual under this section unless the individual provides the ,state with a signed affirmation in electronic form that-- 7,a7 the individual is a qualified individual 7as defined in subsection 7b772 7,b7 the individual has not and will not cast another ballot with respect to the election2 and 7,c7 acknowledges that a material misstatement of fact in completing the ballot may constitute grounds for conviction of perjury4 7#d7 ,clarification regarding free postage ,an absentee ballot obtained by a qualified individual under this section shall be considered balloting materials as defined in section #ajg for purposes of section #cdjf of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#e7 ,prohibiting refusal to accept ballot for failure to meet certain requirements ,a ,state shall not refuse to accept and process any otherwise valid blank absentee ballot which was transmitted to a qualified individual under this section and used by the individual to vote in the election solely on the basis of the following3 7,a7 ,notarization or witness signature requirements4 7,b7 ,restrictions on paper type1 including weight and size4 7,c7 ,restrictions on envelope type1 including weight and size4 7b7 ,qualified individual 7#a7 ,in general ,in this section1 except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the term qualified individual means any individual who is otherwise qualified to vote in an election for ,federal office and who meets any of the following requirements3 7,a7 ,the individual-- 7i7 has previously requested an absentee ballot from the ,state or jurisdiction in which such individual is registered to vote2 and 7ii7 has not received such absentee ballot at least #b days before the date of the election4 7,b7 ,the individual-- 7i7 resides in an area of a ,state with respect to which an emergency or public health emergency has been declared by the chief executive of the ,state or of the area involved within #e days of the date of the election under the laws of the ,state due to reasons including a natural disaster1 including severe weather1 or an infectious disease2 and 7ii7 has not previously requested an absentee ballot4 7,c7 ,the individual expects to be absent from such individual's jurisdiction on the date of the election due to professional or volunteer service in response to a natural disaster or emergency as described in subparagraph 7,b74 7,d7 ,the individual is hospitalized or expects to be hospitalized on the date of the election4 7,e7 ,the individual is an individual with a disability 7as defined in section #c of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abajb77 and resides in a ,state which does not offer voters the ability to use secure and accessible remote ballot marking4 ,for purposes of this subparagraph1 a ,state shall permit an individual to self-certify that the individual is an individual with a disability4 7#b7 ,exclusion of absent uniformed services and overseas voters ,the term qualified individual shall not include an absent uniformed services voter or an overseas voter4 7c7 ,state ,for purposes of this section1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7d7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbb and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ajb7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#aj72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#aa7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ab7 meet the requirements of section #ajc;,c with respect to the provision of blank absentee ballots for the use of qualified individuals described in such section4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting the following after section #ajc3 ,sec4 #ajc;,a4 ,procedures for collection and delivery of marked absentee ballots of absent overseas uniformed services voters4 ,sec4 #ajc;,b4 ,federal voting assistance program improvements4 ,sec4 #ajc;,c4 ,transmission of blank absentee ballots to certain other voters4 4 #ajjg4 ,effective date ,except as provided in section #ajjb7;b7 and section #ajjd7;b71 the amendments made by this title shall apply with respect to elections occurring on or after ,january #a1 #bjbe4 ,,xi ,poll ,worker ,recruitment and ,training #aaja4 ,grants to ,states for poll worker recruitment and training 7a7 ,grants by ,election ,assistance ,commission 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission 7hereafter referred to as the ,commission7 shall1 subject to the availability of appropriations provided to carry out this section1 make a grant to each eligible ,state for recruiting and training individuals to serve as poll workers on dates of elections for public office4 7#b7 ,use of ,commission materials ,in carrying out activities with a grant provided under this section1 the recipient of the grant shall use the manual prepared by the ,commission on successful practices for poll worker recruiting1 training1 and retention as an interactive training tool1 and shall develop training programs with the participation and input of experts in adult learning4 7#c7 ,access and cultural considerations ,the ,commission shall ensure that the manual described in paragraph 7#b7 provides training in methods that will enable poll workers to provide access and delivery of services in a culturally competent manner to all voters who use their services1 including those with limited ,english proficiency1 diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds1 disabilities1 and regardless of gender1 sexual orientation1 or gender identity4 ,these methods must ensure that each voter will have access to poll worker services that are delivered in a manner that meets the unique needs of the voter4 7b7 ,requirements for ,eligibility 7#a7 ,application ,each ,state that desires to receive a payment under this section shall submit an application for the payment to the ,commission at such time and in such manner and containing such information as the ,commission shall require4 7#b7 ,contents of ,application ,each application submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 describe the activities for which assistance under this section is sought2 7,b7 provide assurances that the funds provided under this section will be used to supplement and not supplant other funds used to carry out the activities2 7,c7 provide assurances that the ,state will furnish the ,commission with information on the number of individuals who served as poll workers after recruitment and training with the funds provided under this section2 and 7,d7 provide such additional information and certifications as the ,commission determines to be essential to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section4 7c7 ,amount of ,grant 7#a7 ,in general ,the amount of a grant made to a ,state under this section shall be equal to the product of-- 7,a7 the aggregate amount made available for grants to ,states under this section2 and 7,b7 the voting age population percentage for the ,state4 7#b7 ,voting age population percentage defined ,in paragraph 7#a71 the voting age population percentage for a ,state is the quotient of-- 7,a7 the voting age population of the ,state 7as determined on the basis of the most recent information available from the ,bureau of the ,census72 and 7,b7 the total voting age population of all ,states 7as determined on the basis of the most recent information available from the ,bureau of the ,census74 7d7 ,reports to ,congress 7#a7 ,reports by recipients of grants ,not later than #f months after the date on which the final grant is made under this section1 each recipient of a grant shall submit a report to the ,commission on the activities conducted with the funds provided by the grant4 7#b7 ,reports by ,commission ,not later than #a year after the date on which the final grant is made under this section1 the ,commission shall submit a report to ,congress on the grants made under this section and the activities carried out by recipients with the grants1 and shall include in the report such recommendations as the ,commission considers appropriate4 7e7 ,funding 7#a7 ,continuing availability of amount appropriated ,any amount appropriated to carry out this section shall remain available without fiscal year limitation until expended4 7#b7 ,administrative expenses ,of the amount appropriated for any fiscal year to carry out this section1 not more than #c percent shall be available for administrative expenses of the ,commission4 #aajb4 ,state defined ,in this title1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 ,,xii ,enhancement of ,enforcement #abja4 ,enhancement of enforcement of ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7a7 ,complaints2 availability of private right of action ,section #dja of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaaa7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the ,attorney ,general and inserting 7a7 ,in ,general4--,the ,attorney ,general2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsections3 7b7 ,filing of ,complaints by ,aggrieved ,persons 7#a7 ,in general ,a person who is aggrieved by a violation of title ,,iii which has occurred1 is occurring1 or is about to occur may file a written1 signed1 notarized complaint with the ,attorney ,general describing the violation and requesting the ,attorney ,general to take appropriate action under this section4 ,the ,attorney ,general shall immediately provide a copy of a complaint filed under the previous sentence to the entity responsible for administering the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures described in section #djb7;a7 for the ,state involved4 7#b7 ,response by ,attorney ,general ,the ,attorney ,general shall respond to each complaint filed under paragraph 7#a71 in accordance with procedures established by the ,attorney ,general that require responses and determinations to be made within the same 7or shorter7 deadlines which apply to a ,state under the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures described in section #djb7;a77#b74 ,the ,attorney ,general shall immediately provide a copy of the response made under the previous sentence to the entity responsible for administering the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures described in section #djb7;a7 for the ,state involved4 7c7 ,availability of private right of action ,any person who is authorized to file a complaint under subsection 7b77#a7 7including any individual who seeks to enforce the individual's right to a voter-verified paper ballot1 the right to have the voter-verified paper ballot counted in accordance with this ,act1 or any other right under title ,,iii7 may file an action under section #aigi of the ,revised ,statutes of the ,united ,states 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aihc7 to enforce the uniform and nondiscriminatory election technology and administration requirements under subtitle ,a of title ,,iii4 7d7 ,no effect on ,state procedures ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect the availability of the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures required under section #djb to any person filing a complaint under this subsection4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to violations occurring with respect to elections for ,federal office held in #bjbe or any succeeding year4 ,,xiii ,federal ,election ,integrity #acja4 ,prohibition on campaign activities by chief ,state election administration officials 7a7 ,in ,general ,title ,,iii of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #cai the following new section3 #cai;,a4 ,campaign activities by chief ,state election administration officials 7a7 ,prohibition ,it shall be unlawful for a chief ,state election administration official to take an active part in political management or in a political campaign with respect to any election for ,federal office over which such official has supervisory authority4 7b7 ,chief ,state election administration official ,the term chief ,state election administration official means the highest ,state official with responsibility for the administration of ,federal elections under ,state law4 7c7 ,active part in political management or in a political campaign ,the term active part in political management or in a political campaign means-- 7#a7 holding any position 7including any unpaid or honorary position7 with an authorized committee of a candidate1 or participating in any decision-making of an authorized committee of a candidate2 7#b7 the use of official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election for ,federal office2 7#c7 the solicitation1 acceptance1 or receipt of a contribution from any person on behalf of a candidate for ,federal office2 and 7#d7 any other act which would be prohibited under paragraph 7#b7 or 7#c7 of section #gcbc7;b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 if taken by an individual to whom such paragraph applies 7other than any prohibition on running for public office74 7d7 ,exception in case of recusal from administration of elections involving official or immediate family member 7#a7 ,in general ,this section does not apply to a chief ,state election administration official with respect to an election for ,federal office in which the official or an immediate family member of the official is a candidate1 but only if-- 7,a7 such official recuses himself or herself from all of the official's responsibilities for the administration of such election2 and 7,b7 the official who assumes responsibility for supervising the administration of the election does not report directly to such official4 7#b7 ,immediate family member defined ,in paragraph 7#a71 the term immediate family member means1 with respect to a candidate1 a father1 mother1 son1 daughter1 brother1 sister1 husband1 wife1 father-in-law1 or mother-in-law4 4 7b7 ,effective ,date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held after ,december #bjbd4 ,,xiv ,promoting ,voter ,access ,through ,election ,administration ,improvements ,a ,promoting ,voter ,access #adja4 ,treatment of institutions of higher education 7a7 ,treatment of certain institutions as voter registration agencies under national voter registration act of #aiic ,section #g7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejf7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,a72 7,b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,c7 each institution of higher education which has a program participation agreement in effect with the ,secretary of ,education under section #dhg of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajid71 other than an institution which is treated as a contributing agency under section #aac of the ,automatic ,voter ,registration ,act of #bjba4 2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#f77;,a71 by inserting or1 in the case of an institution of higher education1 upon initial enrollment of a student1 after assistance14 7b7 ,responsibilities of institutions under higher education act of #aife ,section #dhg7;a77#bc7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajid7;a77#bc77 is amended to read as follows3 7#bc7 7,a7 ,the institution will make every reasonable effort to-- 7i7 distribute voter registration applications for elections for ,federal office using a form that meets the requirements of section #i7;b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejh71 which may include sharing a direct1 guided link to such application1 to each student enrolled at the institution who has not been automatically registered to vote by the institution in accordance with section #aac of the ,voter ,empowerment ,act of #bjbd1 including students who do not qualify as an in-,state student as defined in section #aac7;f77#b7 of the ,voter ,empowerment ,act of #bjbd2 7ii7 provide clear guidance that each student enrolled at the institution should-- 7,i7 register in the ,state in which the student is eligible to vote in the next election if registration is required1 which may include informing students from another ,state of the ability to vote in the ,state of the institution in which the students are enrolled and physically in attendance1 in accordance with applicable ,state law2 and 7,,ii7 in the case of a student who has already registered to vote in a ,state described in subclause 7,i71 update the student's existing voter registration if the student's address has changed recently or since the last election in which the student was eligible to vote2 7iii7 periodically share credible1 nonpartisan resources 7to be identified in consultation with the ,election ,assistance ,commission7 to help students determine where and how they are eligible to vote1 which may include resources from ,state and local election officials on voter registration and voting requirements1 including voter registration deadlines1 residency requirements1 voter identification requirements1 and absentee voting options1 as applicable2 and 7iv7 in distributing voting materials 7as defined in section #bjc7;b77#c7 of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajejc7;b77#c777 that are produced by a covered ,state or political subdivision described in subsection #bjc7;b77#b7 of such ,act1 ensure to the greatest extent practicable that-- 7,i7 such voting materials are provided in accordance with section #bjc of that ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajejc72 and 7,,ii7 all materials and information made available electronically under this paragraph-- 7aa7 are accessible to individuals with disabilities2 and 7bb7 are compliant with the most recent ,web ,content ,accessibility ,guidelines1 or successor guidelines4 7,b7 ,an institution shall be considered to have satisfied the requirements of clauses 7i71 7ii71 and 7iii7 of subparagraph 7,a7 if-- 7i7 with respect to each student enrolled in the institution who is not exclusively enrolled in distance education at the institution and who has not already been registered to vote by the institution in accordance with section #aac of the ,voter ,empowerment ,act of #bjbd1 including students who do not qualify as an in-,state student as defined in section #aac7;f77#b7 of such ,act-- 7,i7 the institution1 not less than #cj days in advance of the deadline for registering to vote within the ,state for the next scheduled statewide ,federal or ,state primary election and not less than #cj days in advance of the deadline for registering to vote within the ,state for the next scheduled statewide ,federal or ,state general election-- 7aa7 distributes voter registration applications to such students2 or 7bb7 electronically transmits a message to each such student that is devoted exclusively to voter registration and contains a voter registration application acceptable for use in the ,state in which the institution is located1 or an internet address where such voter registration application can be accessed or downloaded2 7,,ii7 during a period that an institution requires or encourages such students to remain off-campus due to a national1 ,state1 or local public health or other emergency for an extended period of time1 resulting in a significant disruption to such students' ability to vote in person1 as applicable1 the institution additionally-- 7aa7 requests that the ,state provide the institution with absentee ballot applications1 as applicable1 or that the ,state share the official ,state website or online portal through which eligible voters can directly request an absentee ballot2 7bb7 distributes to each such student an absentee ballot application requested from the ,state under item 7aa7 or the official ,state website or online portal through which eligible voters can directly request an absentee ballot1 with instructions that the form1 website1 or online portal should be used only by students eligible to vote in the ,state2 7cc7 notifies such students of-- 7,,aa7 applicable deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot2 and 7,,bb7 additional options for early and in-person voting and voting on ,election ,day1 as applicable2 and 7dd7 shares credible1 nonpartisan resources 7to be identified in consultation with the ,election ,assistance ,commission7 to help students who are registered in another ,state to apply for absentee ballots in such ,state1 which may include resources from ,state and local election officials2 and 7,,iii7 the institution ensures that an appropriate staff person or office has been designated as a ,campus ,vote ,coordinator1 who shall-- 7aa7 ensure compliance in accordance with this paragraph at the institution2 7bb7 be publicly designated as the ,campus ,vote ,coordinator1 including the ,campus ,vote ,coordinator's contact information1 on the website of the institution2 and 7cc7 upon request1 provide to students residency requirements for voting1 including the ability of students from other ,states to vote in the ,state of the institution in which they are enrolled and physically in attendance1 in accordance with applicable ,state law2 and 7ii7 with respect to each student enrolled exclusively in distance education or correspondence programs1 the institution-- 7,i7 7aa7 transmits a message devoted exclusively to voter registration that refers such students to a centralized voter registration website or platform by providing the ,internet address or other method to access such website or platform1 that-- 7,,aa7 provides applicable voter registration application and voting information for all ,states2 and 7,,bb7 is hosted by a website operated by the ,federal1 ,state or local government2 7bb7 transmits such message not less than twice in each calendar year2 and 7cc7 maintains information on the institution's website containing credible1 nonpartisan resources to help students determine where and how they are eligible to vote1 or a link to such resources2 or 7,,ii7 provides information to such students in the same manner as the institution provides information to students not enrolled exclusively in distance education under clause 7i77,i74 7,c7 ,the institution will substantially comply with the requirements that apply to the institution under section #g of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejf7 or section #aac of the ,automatic ,voter ,registration ,act of #bjbd1 as the case may be4 7,d7 ,in this paragraph-- 7i7 the term voter registration application means the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejh72 7ii7 the term absentee ballot means any ballot cast by any means other than in person and for which the ,state requires an application2 7iii7 the term distance education has the meaning given the term in section #ajc1 except such term shall not include distance education that is provided due to a decision of an institution to require or encourage students of the institution to remain off-campus due to a national1 ,state1 or local public health or other emergency2 and 7iv7 the term ,federal office has the meaning given in section #cja7c7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja7c774 4 7c7 ,grants to institutions demonstrating excellence in student voter registration 7#a7 ,grants authorized ,the ,secretary of ,education may award competitive grants to public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education that are subject to the requirements of section #dhg7;a77#bc7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajid7;a77#bc771 as amended by subsection 7b71 and that the ,secretary determines have demonstrated excellence in registering students to vote in elections for public office beyond meeting the minimum requirements of such section4 7#b7 ,eligibility ,an institution of higher education is eligible to receive a grant under this subsection if the institution submits to the ,secretary of ,education1 at such time and in such form as the ,secretary may require1 an application containing such information and assurances as the ,secretary may require to make the determination described in paragraph 7#a71 including information and assurances that the institution carried out activities to promote voter registration by students1 such as the following3 7,a7 ,sponsoring large on-campus voter mobilization efforts4 7,b7 ,engaging the surrounding community in nonpartisan voter registration and get out the vote efforts4 7,c7 ,creating a website for students with centralized information about voter registration and election dates4 7,d7 ,inviting candidates to speak on campus4 7,e7 ,offering rides to students to the polls to increase voter education1 registration1 and mobilization4 7#c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year #bjbe and each succeeding fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to award grants under this subsection4 7d7 ,sense of ,congress relating to option of students ,to register in jurisdiction of institution of higher education or jurisdiction of domicile ,it is the sense of ,congress that1 as provided under existing law1 students who attend an institution of higher education and reside in the jurisdiction of the institution while attending the institution should have the option of registering to vote in elections for ,federal office in that jurisdiction or in the jurisdiction of their own domicile4 #adjb4 ,minimum notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes 7a7 ,requirements ,section #cjb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb71 as amended by section #gja7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7f7 as subsection 7g72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7e7 the following new subsection3 7f7 ,minimum notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes 7#a7 ,in general ,if a ,state assigns an individual who is a registered voter in a ,state to a polling place with respect to an election for ,federal office which is not the same polling place to which the individual was previously assigned with respect to the most recent election for ,federal office in the ,state in which the individual was eligible to vote-- 7,a7 the ,state shall notify the individual of the location of the polling place not later than #g days before the date of the election or the first day of an early voting period 7whichever occurs first72 or 7,b7 if the ,state makes such an assignment fewer than #g days before the date of the election and the individual appears on the date of the election at the polling place to which the individual was previously assigned1 the ,state shall make every reasonable effort to enable the individual to vote on the date of the election4 7#b7 ,methods of notification ,the ,state shall notify an individual under subparagraph 7,a7 of paragraph 7#a7 by mail1 telephone1 and 7if available7 text message and electronic mail4 7#c7 ,placement of signs at closed polling places ,if a location which served as a polling place in an election for ,federal office does not serve as a polling place in the next election for ,federal office held in the jurisdiction involved1 the ,state shall ensure that signs are posted at such location on the date of the election and during any early voting period for the election containing the following information3 7,a7 ,a statement that the location is not serving as a polling place in the election4 7,b7 ,the locations serving as polling places in the election in the jurisdiction involved4 7,c7 ,contact information1 including a telephone number and website1 for the appropriate ,state or local election official through which an individual may find the polling place to which the individual is assigned for the election4 7#d7 ,effective date ,this subsection shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbe4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #cjb7;g7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;g771 as redesignated by subsection 7a7 and as amended by section #gja7;b71 is amended by striking 7d77#b7 and 7e77#b7 and inserting 7d77#b71 7e77#b71 and 7f77#d74 #adjc4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements for voting 7a7 ,permitting use of statement ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #cjc the following new section3 #cjc;,a4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement or student identification card to meet identification requirements 7a7 ,use of statement or student identification card 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7c71 if a ,state has in effect any requirement that an individual present identification as a condition of receiving and casting a ballot in an election for ,federal office1 the ,state shall permit the individual to meet the requirement-- 7,a7 in the case of an individual who desires to vote in person1 by presenting the appropriate ,state or local election official with-- 7i7 a sworn written statement1 signed by the individual under penalty of perjury1 attesting to the individual's identity and attesting that the individual is eligible to vote in the election2 or 7ii7 if such individual is a student enrolled at an institution of higher education 7as defined under section #ajb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb771 a student identification card assigned to the individual from an institution of higher education2 or 7,b7 in the case of an individual who desires to vote by mail1 by submitting with the ballot-- 7i7 the statement described in subparagraph 7,a77i72 or 7ii7 if such individual is a student enrolled at an institution of higher education 7as so defined71 a copy of the student identification card described in subparagraph 7,a77ii74 7#b7 ,development of pre-printed version of statement by ,commission ,the ,commission shall develop a pre-printed version of the statement described in paragraph 7#a77;,a77i7 which includes a blank space for an individual to provide a name and signature for use by election officials in ,states which are subject to paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,providing pre-printed copy of statement ,a ,state which is subject to paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 make copies of the pre-printed version of the statement described in paragraph 7#a77;,a77i7 which is prepared by the ,commission available at polling places for election officials to distribute to individuals who desire to vote in person2 and 7,b7 include a copy of such pre-printed version of the statement with each blank absentee or other ballot transmitted to an individual who desires to vote by mail4 7b7 ,requiring use of ballot in same manner as individuals presenting identification ,an individual who presents or submits a sworn written statement or presents a student identification card in accordance with subsection 7a77#a7 shall be permitted to cast a ballot in the election in the same manner as an individual who presents identification4 7c7 ,exception for first-,time voters registering by mail ,subsections 7a7 and 7b7 do not apply with respect to any individual described in paragraph 7#a7 of section #cjc7;b7 who is required to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#b7 of such section4 4 7b7 ,requiring ,states ,to include information on use of sworn written statement and student identification card in voting information material posted at polling places ,section #cjb7;b77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77#b771 as amended by section #agb7;b7 and section #cjb7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,g72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,h7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,i7 in the case of a ,state that has in effect any requirement that an individual present identification as a condition of receiving and casting a ballot in an election for ,federal office1 information on how an individual may meet such requirement by presenting a sworn written statement or student identification card in accordance with section #cjc;,a4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cjc the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjc;,a4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement or student identification card to meet identification requirements4 4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to elections occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #adjd4 ,accommodations for voters residing in ,indian lands 7a7 ,accommodations ,described 7#a7 ,designation of ballot pickup and collection locations ,given the widespread lack of residential mail delivery in ,indian ,country1 an ,indian ,tribe may designate buildings as ballot pickup and collection locations with respect to an election for ,federal office at no cost to the ,indian ,tribe4 ,an ,indian ,tribe may designate one building per precinct located within ,indian lands4 ,the applicable ,state or political subdivision shall collect ballots from those locations4 ,the applicable ,state or political subdivision shall provide the ,indian ,tribe with accurate precinct maps for all precincts located within ,indian lands #fj days before the election4 7#b7 ,provision of mail-in and absentee ballots ,the ,state or political subdivision shall provide mail-in and absentee ballots with respect to an election for ,federal office to each individual who is registered to vote in the election who resides on ,indian lands in the ,state or political subdivision involved without requiring a residential address or a mail-in or absentee ballot request4 7#c7 ,use of designated building as residential and mailing address ,the address of a designated building that is a ballot pickup and collection location with respect to an election for ,federal office may serve as the residential address and mailing address for voters living on ,indian lands if the tribally designated building is in the same precinct as that voter4 ,if there is no tribally designated building within a voter's precinct1 the voter may use another tribally designated building within the ,indian lands where the voter is located4 ,voters using a tribally designated building outside of the voter's precinct may use the tribally designated building as a mailing address and may separately designate the voter's appropriate precinct through a description of the voter's address1 as specified in section #idbh4d7;a77#b7 of title #aa1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 7#d7 ,language accessibility ,in the case of a ,state or political subdivision that is a covered ,state or political subdivision under section #bjc of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajejc71 that ,state or political subdivision shall provide absentee or mail-in voting materials with respect to an election for ,federal office in the language of the applicable minority group as well as in the ,english language1 bilingual election voting assistance1 and written translations of all voting materials in the language of the applicable minority group1 as required by section #bjc of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajejc71 as amended by subsection 7b74 7#e7 ,clarification ,nothing in this section alters the ability of an individual voter residing on ,indian lands to request a ballot in a manner available to all other voters in the ,state4 7#f7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7,a7 ,election for ,federal office ,the term election for ,federal office means a general1 special1 primary or runoff election for the office of ,president or ,vice ,president1 or of ,senator or ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress4 7,b7 ,indian ,the term ,indian has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7,c7 ,indian lands ,the term ,indian lands includes-- 7i7 any ,indian country of an ,indian ,tribe1 as defined under section #aaea of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code2 7ii7 any land in ,alaska owned1 pursuant to the ,alaska ,native ,claims ,settlement ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #afja et seq471 by an ,indian ,tribe that is a ,native village 7as defined in section #c of that ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #afjb77 or by a ,village ,corporation that is associated with an ,indian ,tribe 7as defined in section #c of that ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #afjb772 7iii7 any land on which the seat of the ,tribal ,government is located2 and 7iv7 any land that is part or all of a ,tribal designated statistical area associated with an ,indian ,tribe1 or is part or all of an ,alaska ,native village statistical area associated with an ,indian ,tribe1 as defined by the ,census ,bureau for the purposes of the most recent decennial census4 7,d7 ,indian tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe has the meaning given the term ,indian tribe in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7,e7 ,tribal government ,the term ,tribal ,government means the recognized governing body of an ,indian ,tribe4 7#g7 ,enforcement 7,a7 ,attorney general ,the ,attorney ,general may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for such declaratory or injunctive relief as is necessary to carry out this subsection4 7,b7 ,private right of action 7i7 ,a person or ,tribal ,government who is aggrieved by a violation of this subsection may provide written notice of the violation to the chief election official of the ,state involved4 7ii7 ,an aggrieved person or ,tribal ,government may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to a violation of this subsection1 if-- 7,i7 that person or ,tribal ,government provides the notice described in clause 7i72 and 7,,ii7 7aa7 in the case of a violation that occurs more than #abj days before the date of an election for ,federal office1 the violation remains and #ij days or more have passed since the date on which the chief election official of the ,state receives the notice under clause 7i72 or 7bb7 in the case of a violation that occurs #abj days or less before the date of an election for ,federal office1 the violation remains and #bj days or more have passed since the date on which the chief election official of the ,state receives the notice under clause 7i74 7iii7 ,in the case of a violation of this section that occurs #cj days or less before the date of an election for ,federal office1 an aggrieved person or ,tribal ,government may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation without providing notice to the chief election official of the ,state under clause 7i74 7b7 ,bilingual election requirements ,section #bjc of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajejc7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#c77;,c771 by striking #aiij and inserting #bjbj2 and 7#b7 by striking subsection 7c7 and inserting the following3 7c7 ,provision of voting materials in the language of a minority group 7#a7 ,in ,general ,whenever any ,state or political subdivision subject to the prohibition of subsection 7b7 of this section provides any registration or voting notices1 forms1 instructions1 assistance1 or other materials or information relating to the electoral process1 including ballots1 it shall provide them in the language of the applicable minority group as well as in the ,english language4 7#b7 ,exceptions 7,a7 ,in the case of a minority group that is not ,american ,indian or ,alaska ,native and the language of that minority group is oral or unwritten1 the ,state or political subdivision shall only be required to furnish1 in the covered language1 oral instructions1 assistance1 translation of voting materials1 or other information relating to registration and voting4 7,b7 ,in the case of a minority group that is ,american ,indian or ,alaska ,native1 the ,state or political subdivision shall only be required to furnish in the covered language oral instructions1 assistance1 or other information relating to registration and voting1 including all voting materials1 if the ,tribal ,government of that minority group has certified that the language of the applicable ,american ,indian or ,alaska ,native language is presently unwritten or the ,tribal ,government does not want written translations in the minority language4 7#c7 ,written translations for election workers ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#b71 the ,state or political division may be required to provide written translations of voting materials1 with the consent of any applicable ,indian ,tribe1 to election workers to ensure that the translations from ,english to the language of a minority group are complete1 accurate1 and uniform4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section and the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbf and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 #adje4 ,ensuring equitable and efficient operation of polling places 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a71 section #bja7;a71 section #bjb7;a71 section #bjc7;a77#a71 section #bjd7;a71 section #hja7;a71 section #ija7;a71 section #ijb7;a71 section #ijc7;b71 and section #ijd7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cad and #cae as sections #caf and #cag1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cac the following new section3 #cad4 ,ensuring equitable and efficient operation of polling places 7a7 ,preventing unreasonable waiting times for voters 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall provide a sufficient number of voting systems1 poll workers1 and other election resources 7including physical resources7 at a polling place used in any election for ,federal office1 including a polling place at which individuals may cast ballots prior to the date of the election1 to ensure-- 7,a7 a fair and equitable waiting time for all voters in the ,state2 and 7,b7 that no individual will be required to wait longer than #cj minutes to cast a ballot at the polling place4 7#b7 ,criteria ,in determining the number of voting systems1 poll workers1 and other election resources provided at a polling place for purposes of paragraph 7#a71 the ,state shall take into account the following factors3 7,a7 ,the voting age population4 7,b7 ,voter turnout in past elections4 7,c7 ,the number of voters registered4 7,d7 ,the number of voters who have registered since the most recent ,federal election4 7,e7 ,census data for the population served by the polling place1 such as the proportion of the voting-age population who are under #be years of age or who are naturalized citizens4 7,f7 ,the needs and numbers of voters with disabilities and voters with limited ,english proficiency4 7,g7 ,the type of voting systems used4 7,h7 ,the length and complexity of initiatives1 referenda1 and other questions on the ballot4 7,i7 ,such other factors1 including relevant demographic factors relating to the population served by the polling place1 as the ,state considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this subsection may be construed to authorize a ,state to meet the requirements of this subsection by closing any polling place1 prohibiting an individual from entering a line at a polling place1 or refusing to permit an individual who has arrived at a polling place prior to closing time from voting at the polling place4 7#d7 ,guidelines ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,commission shall establish and publish guidelines to assist ,states in meeting the requirements of this subsection4 7#e7 ,effective date ,this subsection shall take effect upon the expiration of the #ahj-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this subsection1 without regard to whether or not the ,commission has established and published guidelines under paragraph 7#d74 7b7 ,limiting variations on number of hours of operation of polling places within a ,state 7#a7 ,limitation 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b7 and paragraph 7#b71 each ,state shall establish hours of operation for all polling places in the ,state on the date of any election for ,federal office held in the ,state such that the polling place with the greatest number of hours of operation on such date is not in operation for more than #b hours longer than the polling place with the fewest number of hours of operation on such date4 7,b7 ,permitting variance on basis of population ,subparagraph 7,a7 does not apply to the extent that the ,state establishes variations in the hours of operation of polling places on the basis of the overall population or the voting age population 7as the ,state may select7 of the unit of local government in which such polling places are located4 7#b7 ,exceptions for polling places with hours established by units of local government ,paragraph 7#a7 does not apply in the case of a polling place-- 7,a7 whose hours of operation are established1 in accordance with ,state law1 by the unit of local government in which the polling place is located2 or 7,b7 which is required pursuant to an order by a court to extend its hours of operation beyond the hours otherwise established4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c71 section #bja7;d71 section #bjb7;c71 section #bjc7;a77#c71 section #bjd7;c71 section #hja7;c71 section #ija7;c71 section #ijb7;c71 section #ijc7;b71 and section #ijd7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cad and #cae as relating to sections #cae and #caf1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cac the following new item3 ,sec4 #cad4 ,ensuring equitable and efficient operation of polling places4 4 #adjf4 ,requiring ,states to provide secured drop boxes for voted absentee ballots in elections for ,federal office 7a7 ,requirement ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a71 section #bja7;a71 section #bjb7;a71 section #bjc7;a77#a71 section #bjd7;a71 section #hja7;a71 section #ija7;a71 section #ijb7;a71 section #ijc7;b71 section #ijd7;a71 and section #adje7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cae and #caf as sections #caf and #cag1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cad the following new section3 #cae4 ,use of secured drop boxes for voted absentee ballots 7a7 ,requiring use of drop boxes ,in each election jurisdiction in the ,state1 each ,state shall provide in-person1 secured1 and clearly labeled drop boxes at which individuals may1 at any time during the period described in subsection 7b71 drop off voted absentee ballots in an election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,minimum period for availability of drop boxes ,the period described in this subsection is1 with respect to an election1 the period which begins #de days before the date of the election and which ends at the time the polls close for the election in the election jurisdiction involved4 7c7 ,accessibility 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall ensure that the drop boxes provided under this section are accessible for use-- 7,a7 by individuals with disabilities1 as determined in consultation with the protection and advocacy systems 7as defined in section #ajb of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act of #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejjb77 of the ,state2 and 7,b7 by individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language4 7#b7 ,determination of accessibility for individuals with disabilities ,for purposes of this subsection1 drop boxes shall be considered to be accessible for use by individuals with disabilities if the drop boxes meet such criteria as the ,attorney ,general may establish for such purposes4 7#c7 ,rule of construction ,if a ,state provides a drop box under this section on the grounds of or inside a building or facility which serves as a polling place for an election during the period described in subsection 7b71 nothing in this subsection may be construed to waive any requirements regarding the accessibility of such polling place for the use of individuals with disabilities or individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language4 7d7 ,number of drop boxes 7#a7 ,formula for determination of number ,the number of drop boxes provided under this section in an election jurisdiction with respect to an election shall be determined as follows3 7,a7 ,in the case of an election jurisdiction in which the number of individuals who are residents of the election jurisdiction and who are registered to vote in the election is equal to or greater than #bj1jjj1 the number of drop boxes shall be a number equal to or greater than the number of such individuals divided by #bj1jjj 7rounded to the nearest whole number74 7,b7 ,in the case of any other election jurisdiction1 the number of drop boxes shall be equal to or greater than one4 7#b7 ,timing ,for purposes of this subsection1 the number of individuals who reside in an election jurisdiction and who are registered to vote in the election shall be determined as of the #ijth day before the date of the election4 7e7 ,location of drop boxes ,the ,state shall determine the location of drop boxes provided under this section in an election jurisdiction on the basis of criteria which ensure that the drop boxes are-- 7#a7 available to all voters on a non-discriminatory basis2 7#b7 accessible to voters with disabilities 7in accordance with subsection 7c772 7#c7 accessible by public transportation to the greatest extent possible2 7#d7 available during all hours of the day2 and 7#e7 sufficiently available in all communities in the election jurisdiction1 including rural communities and on ,tribal lands within the election jurisdiction 7subject to subsection 7f774 7f7 ,rules for drop boxes on ,tribal lands ,in making a determination of the number and location of drop boxes provided under this section on ,tribal lands in an election jurisdiction1 the appropriate ,state and local election officials shall-- 7#a7 consult with ,tribal leaders prior to making the determination2 and 7#b7 take into account criteria such as the availability of direct-to-door residential mail delivery1 the distance and time necessary to travel to the drop box locations 7including in inclement weather71 modes of transportation available1 conditions of roads1 and the availability 7if any7 of public transportation4 7g7 ,timing of scanning and processing of ballots ,for purposes of section #cjf7;e7 7relating to the timing of the processing and scanning of ballots for tabulation71 a vote cast using a drop box provided under this section shall be treated in the same manner as any other vote cast during early voting4 7h7 ,posting of information ,on or adjacent to each drop box provided under this section1 the ,state shall post information on the requirements that voted absentee ballots must meet in order to be counted and tabulated in the election4 7i7 ,election jurisdiction ,for purposes of this section1 the term election jurisdiction has the same meaning given to the term registrar's jurisdiction under section #h7;j7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;j774 7j7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbf and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c71 section #bja7;d71 section #bjb7;c71 section #bjc7;a77#c71 section #bjd7;c71 section #hja7;c71 section #ija7;c71 section #ijb7;c71 section #ijc7;b71 section #ijd7;a71 and section #adje7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cae and #caf as relating to sections #caf and #cag1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cad the following new item3 ,sec4 #cae4 ,use of secured drop boxes for voted absentee ballots4 4 #adjg4 ,prohibiting ,states from restricting curbside voting 7a7 ,requirement ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aca7;a71 section #bja7;a71 section #bjb7;a71 section #bjc7;a77#a71 section #bjd7;a71 section #hja7;a71 section #ija7;a71 section #ijb7;a71 section #ijc7;b71 section #ijd7;a71 section #adje7;a71 and section #adjf7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #caf and #cag as sections #cag and #cah1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cae the following new section3 #caf4 ,prohibiting ,states from restricting curbside voting 7a7 ,prohibition ,a ,state may not-- 7#a7 prohibit any jurisdiction administering an election for ,federal office in the ,state from utilizing curbside voting as a method by which individuals may cast ballots in the election2 or 7#b7 impose any restrictions which would exclude any individual who is eligible to vote in such an election in a jurisdiction which utilizes curbside voting from casting a ballot in the election by the method of curbside voting4 7b7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbf and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aca7;c71 section #bja7;d71 section #bjb7;c71 section #bjc7;a77#c71 section #bjd7;c71 section #hja7;c71 section #ija7;c71 section #ijb7;c71 section #ijc7;b71 section #ijd7;a71 section #adje7;b71 and section #adjf7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #caf and #cag as relating to sections #cag and #cah1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cae the following new item3 ,sec4 #caf4 ,prohibiting ,states from restricting curbside voting4 4 ,b ,disaster and ,emergency ,contingency ,plans #adaa4 ,requirements for ,federal election contingency plans in response to natural disasters and emergencies 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 each ,state and each jurisdiction in a ,state which is responsible for administering elections for ,federal office shall establish and make publicly available a contingency plan to enable individuals to vote in elections for ,federal office during a state of emergency1 public health emergency1 or national emergency which has been declared for reasons including-- 7,a7 a natural disaster2 or 7,b7 an infectious disease4 7#b7 ,updating ,each ,state and jurisdiction shall update the contingency plan established under this subsection not less frequently than every #e years4 7b7 ,requirements relating to safety ,the contingency plan established under subsection 7a7 shall include initiatives to provide equipment and resources needed to protect the health and safety of poll workers and voters when voting in person4 7c7 ,requirements relating to recruitment of poll workers ,the contingency plan established under subsection 7a7 shall include initiatives by the chief ,state election official and local election officials to recruit poll workers from resilient or unaffected populations1 which may include-- 7#a7 employees of other ,state and local government offices2 and 7#b7 in the case in which an infectious disease poses significant increased health risks to elderly individuals1 students of secondary schools and institutions of higher education in the ,state4 7d7 ,enforcement 7#a7 ,attorney general ,the ,attorney ,general may bring a civil action against any ,state or jurisdiction in an appropriate ,united ,states ,district ,court for such declaratory and injunctive relief 7including a temporary restraining order1 a permanent or temporary injunction1 or other order7 as may be necessary to carry out the requirements of this section4 7#b7 ,private right of action 7,a7 ,in general ,in the case of a violation of this section1 any person who is aggrieved by such violation may provide written notice of the violation to the chief election official of the ,state involved4 7,b7 ,relief ,if the violation is not corrected within #bj days after receipt of a notice under subparagraph 7,a71 or within #e days after receipt of the notice if the violation occurred within #abj days before the date of an election for ,federal office1 the aggrieved person may1 in a civil action1 obtain declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation4 7,c7 ,special rule ,if the violation occurred within #e days before the date of an election for ,federal office1 the aggrieved person need not provide notice to the chief election official of the ,state involved under subparagraph 7,a7 before bringing a civil action under subparagraph 7,b74 7e7 ,definitions 7#a7 ,election for ,federal office ,for purposes of this section1 the term election for ,federal office means a general1 special1 primary1 or runoff election for the office of ,president or ,vice ,president1 or of ,senator or ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress4 7#b7 ,state ,for purposes of this section1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7f7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbf and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 ,c ,improvements in ,operation of ,election ,assistance ,commission #adba4 ,reauthorization of ,election ,assistance ,commission ,section #baj of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjicj7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking for each of the fiscal years #bjjc through #bjje and inserting for fiscal year #bjba and each succeeding fiscal year2 and 7#b7 by striking 7but not to exceed #aj1jjj1jjj for each such year74 #adbb4 ,requiring ,states to participate in post-general election surveys 7a7 ,requirement ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #adjc7;a71 is further amended by inserting after section #cjc;,a the following new section3 #cjc;,b4 ,requiring participation in post-general election surveys 7a7 ,requirement ,each ,state shall furnish to the ,commission such information as the ,commission may request for purposes of conducting any post-election survey of the ,states with respect to the administration of a regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbf and any succeeding election4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #adjc7;c71 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cjc;,a the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjc;,b4 ,requiring participation in post-general election surveys4 4 #adbc4 ,reports by ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology on use of funds transferred from ,election ,assistance ,commission 7a7 ,requiring reports on use funds as condition of receipt ,section #bca of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjiga7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,report on use of funds transferred from ,commission ,to the extent that funds are transferred from the ,commission to the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology for purposes of carrying out this section during any fiscal year1 the ,director may not use such funds unless the ,director certifies at the time of transfer that the ,director will submit a report to the ,commission not later than #ij days after the end of the fiscal year detailing how the ,director used such funds during the year4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to fiscal year #bjbf and each succeeding fiscal year4 #adbd4 ,recommendations to improve operations of ,election ,assistance ,commission 7a7 ,assessment of information technology and cybersecurity ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjbd1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall carry out an assessment of the security and effectiveness of the ,commission's information technology systems1 including the cybersecurity of such systems4 7b7 ,improvements to administrative complaint procedures 7#a7 ,review of procedures ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall carry out a review of the effectiveness and efficiency of the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures established and maintained under section #djb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaab7 for the investigation and resolution of allegations of violations of title ,,iii of such ,act4 7#b7 ,recommendations to streamline procedures ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjbd1 the ,commission shall submit to ,congress a report on the review carried out under paragraph 7#a71 and shall include in the report such recommendations as the ,commission considers appropriate to streamline and improve the procedures which are the subject of the review4 #adbe4 ,repeal of exemption of ,election ,assistance ,commission from certain government contracting requirements 7a7 ,in general ,section #bje of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjibe7 is amended by striking subsection 7e74 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to contracts entered into by the ,election ,assistance ,commission on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,d ,miscellaneous ,provisions #adca4 ,application of laws to ,commonwealth of ,northern ,mariana ,islands 7a7 ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic ,section #c7d7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejb7d77 is amended by striking ,states and the ,district of ,columbia and inserting ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7b7 ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#a7 ,coverage of ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands ,section #ija of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baada7 is amended by striking and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands and inserting the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments to ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb ,such ,act is further amended as follows3 7,a7 ,the second sentence of section #bac7;a77#b7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjidc7;a77#b77 is amended by striking and ,american ,samoa and inserting ,american ,samoa1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7,b7 ,section #beb7;c77#b7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajjb7;c77#b77 is amended by striking or the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands and inserting the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 or the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#c7 ,conforming amendment relating to consultation of ,help ,america ,vote ,foundation with local election officials ,section #ijajb7;c7 of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands and inserting the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 #adcb4 ,definition of election for ,federal office 7a7 ,definition ,title ,,ix of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baada et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #ijg4 ,election for ,federal office defined ,for purposes of titles ,i through ,,iii1 the term election for ,federal office means a general1 special1 primary1 or runoff election for the office of ,president or ,vice ,president1 or of ,senator or ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to title ,,ix the following new item3 ,sec4 #ijg4 ,election for ,federal office defined4 4 #adcc4 ,no effect on other laws 7a7 ,in general ,except as specifically provided1 nothing in this title may be construed to authorize or require conduct prohibited under any of the following laws1 or to supersede1 restrict1 or limit the application of such laws3 7#a7 ,the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq474 7#b7 ,the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaja et seq474 7#c7 ,the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq474 7#d7 ,the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq474 7#e7 ,the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abaja et seq474 7#f7 ,the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gja et seq474 7b7 ,no effect on preclearance or other requirements under ,voting ,rights ,act ,the approval by any person of a payment or grant application under this title1 or any other action taken by any person under this title1 shall not be considered to have any effect on requirements for preclearance under section #e of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjd7 or any other requirements of such ,act4 7c7 ,no effect on authority of ,states ,to provide greater opportunities for voting ,nothing in this title or the amendments made by this title may be construed to prohibit any ,state from enacting any law which provides greater opportunities for individuals to register to vote and to vote in elections for ,federal office than are provided by this title and the amendments made by this title4 #adcd4 ,clarification of exemption for ,states without voter registration ,to the extent that any provision of this title or any amendment made by this title imposes a requirement on a ,state relating to registering individuals to vote in elections for ,federal office1 such provision shall not apply in the case of any ,state in which1 under law that is in effect continuously on and after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 there is no voter registration requirement for any voter in the ,state with respect to an election for ,federal office4 ,,xv ,severability #aeja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this ,act or amendment made by this ,act1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this ,act and amendments made by this ,act1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4