Bill · H.R. 7356· House(119-HR-7356)
To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit the use of Federal funds for election administration in States that permit ballot harvesting.
- Introduced
- 2/4/2026
- Last activity
- 2/4/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Sponsored by
- Chuck Edwards
- Cosponsors
- - 8 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "No Federal Funds for Ballot Harvesting Act," seeks to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002. It proposes a prohibition on the use of Federal funds for administering elections for Federal office in any State that allows certain third parties to collect and transmit ballots. Under this proposal, States must have laws prohibiting the knowing collection and transmission of mailed ballots by individuals other than specific authorized groups. These authorized groups include election officials, postal workers, or specific family and caregiver members. The bill aims to address vulnerabilities in the chain of custody and prevent potential undue influence over voters.
Yes
Does this make elections run better?+4
The bill seeks to improve election integrity by limiting unauthorized third-party handling of ballots.
Does this protect the right to vote?+3
The bill aims to protect the integrity of the vote by addressing vulnerabilities in the chain of custody for mailed ballots.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-5
The bill restricts federal funding for election administration in states that do not implement these specific ballot collection restrictions.
Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice?-4
The bill restricts third-party ballot collection, which may reduce the ease of casting a ballot for certain voters.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-3
The bill uses federal funding leverage to mandate specific state election laws, which limits state autonomy over election procedures.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protecting the chain of custody: The bill notes that the current practice of ballot harvesting creates vulnerabilities because collectors are not required to be registered voters or identify themselves at a voter's home (Section 1(b)(3)).
-
Reducing undue influence: The findings suggest that the current practice invites electioneering at homes and could allow bad actors to exert undue influence over voters (Section 1(b)(4)).
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Ensuring specific exceptions for caregivers and family: The bill ensures that people can still have their ballots handled by those close to them, such as family members, household members, or caregivers (Section 2(a)(1-4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restricting Federal funding for election administration: States that permit the collection and transmission of ballots by third parties would be prohibited from using Federal funds to administer elections for Federal office (Section 2(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities-2Good For Seniors-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Electoral Process+4Increase States Rights-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Voting Rights+3Improves Voting Access-4
- 2/4/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Cliff BentzRepublican · Oregon
Ben ClineRepublican · Virginia
Brandon GillRepublican · Texas
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina
Addison McDowellRepublican · North Carolina
Robert OnderRepublican · Missouri
W. SteubeRepublican · Florida
Claudia TenneyRepublican · New York