Bill · H.R. 7182· House(119-HR-7182)
VOTE Act
- Introduced
- 1/21/2026
- Last activity
- 5/14/2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
- Sponsored by
- Julie Johnson
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 0
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The VOTE Act aims to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to create specific rules for notifying voters when their polling places change. It requires states to notify registered voters if they are assigned to a new polling place for a Federal election. These notifications must happen through mail, telephone, and potentially text or email. The bill also mandates posting general notices on websites, social media, and at former polling locations. Additionally, it establishes rules for jurisdictions that use vote centers rather than specific assigned locations. These changes are intended to take effect for elections held on or after January 1, 2026.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice?+7
The bill increases accessibility by requiring notifications through multiple channels including mail, telephone, text, and email.
Does this make elections run better?+7
The bill enhances the electoral process by mandating clear communication regarding polling place changes and providing recourse for last-minute changes.
Does this protect the right to vote?+6
The bill establishes mandatory notification requirements for polling place changes to ensure voters are informed of their correct location.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Timely Notification of Changes: Under Section 2(a)(1)(A), the State must notify an individual of their new polling place location no later than 7 days before an election, which helps ensure voters know where to go.
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Increased Accessibility through Multiple Channels: Section 2(a)(2) requires officials to use mail, telephone, and potentially text or email, providing multiple ways for a person to receive important election information.
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Public Information Availability: Section 2(a)(1)(B) requires officials to post general notices on websites, social media, and at previous polling places so that the public can find information easily.
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Protections for Last-Minute Changes: Section 2(a)(1)(C) states that if a change is made fewer than 7 days before an election, the State must make every reasonable effort to let a person vote if they show up at their old polling place.
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Clear Guidance for Closed Locations: Section 2(a)(4)(A) requires that if a former polling place is no longer in use, signs must be posted providing the location of new polling places, directions, and contact information for election officials.
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Information for Vote Center Jurisdictions: Section 2(a)(3) requires officials in jurisdictions without assigned polling places to notify individuals of all available polling locations at least 2 days before early voting begins.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Voting Access+7Improves Voting Rights+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Hispanic Americans+4Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Urban Residents+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Electoral Process+7
- 5/14/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
- 1/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Sean CastenDemocrat · Illinois
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Joseph MorelleDemocrat · New York
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Marc VeaseyDemocrat · Texas