S.Amdt. 4696

SA 4696, submitted by Ms. Blunt Rochester, aims to add a new subtitle called Protecting Pregnant and Postpartum Voters to the end of title I of bill S. 1383.

The purpose of this amendment is to delay the application of the provisions and amendments in title I for two years until certain requirements are met and submitted to Congress. These requirements include:

• A certification and findings from the Election Assistance Commission stating that the provisions will not materially impair, delay, burden, or reduce the ability of pregnant or postpartum voters to vote in Federal elections.
• A review of how these changes affect ballot-cure options and emergency absentee voting for voters who are recovering from childbirth, in labor, on bed rest, or hospitalized.
• A determination that every State has procedures for these voters to request, receive, cast, return, and cure absentee ballots via expedited or emergency processes.
• A determination that Congress has provided specific funding for voter education, election official training, and necessary accommodations or safeguards.

The amendment also adds a 60-day public comment period for the proposed certification and materials in the Federal Register. Additionally, a State's chief election official can request a 1-year extension if the Commission finds good cause that the State is not operationally ready without harming pregnant or postpartum voters.