Bill · H.R. 8977· House(119-HR-8977)
EFFIE Act
- Introduced
- 5/21/2026
- Last activity
- 5/21/2026 — Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Lawler
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the End Fraudulent Filings that Interfere with Elections Act, or the EFFIE Act. It amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. The legislation makes it a felony offense for federal candidates, employees, or agents to knowingly and fraudulently sign ballot access materials or documentation. Violators face penalties including a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. The Act takes effect immediately upon its enactment.
Yes
Does this make elections run better?+7
By penalizing fraudulent ballot access filings with severe fines and imprisonment, the bill deters electoral fraud.
Does this protect the right to vote?+5
The bill enhances ballot integrity by criminalizing fraudulent ballot access filings.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The legislation establishes new federal felony offenses related to federal election ballot access.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 2: This provision makes it a felony for a federal candidate, employee, or agent to knowingly and fraudulently sign ballot access documentation. This holds elected officials and their teams accountable by imposing strict penalties, which include a fine up to $250,000, up to 5 years in prison, or both, ensuring honesty in the election process for the people.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2: This section imposes severe criminal penalties, including up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000, for candidates, employees, or agents who knowingly and fraudulently sign ballot access documents. While it targets fraud, individuals or campaigns facing this penalty could experience severe legal and financial burdens.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Electoral Process+7Increases Federal Power+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Voting Rights+5
- 5/21/2026
- Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House