Bill · S.J.Res. 186· Senate(119-SJRES-186)
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the fundamental right to vote.
- Introduced
- 4/27/2026
- Last activity
- 4/27/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2055)
- Sponsored by
- Richard Durbin
- Cosponsors
- - 8 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution regarding the fundamental right to vote. It states that every citizen of legal voting age has a fundamental right to vote in public elections within their jurisdiction. The amendment prohibits the United States, States, or political subdivisions from denying or abridging this right unless it serves a compelling governmental interest through the least restrictive means. Additionally, it seeks to repeal the phrase "or other crime" from section 2 of the fourteenth article of amendment. Finally, it grants Congress the power to pass legislation to enforce this article and protect against denials or abridgments of the right to vote.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this protect the right to vote?+9
The bill establishes voting as a fundamental right and imposes a strict compelling interest test for any restrictions.
Does this make elections run better?+8
The bill strengthens the constitutional basis for election integrity by defining voting as a fundamental right.
Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice?+7
By requiring the least restrictive means for any voting limitations, the bill increases the practical ease of casting a ballot.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Establishment of a fundamental right: Every citizen of legal voting age would have a guaranteed fundamental right to vote in public elections in their jurisdiction (Section 1).
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Strict limits on restrictions: Any attempt by the United States, a State, or a political subdivision to deny or abridge the right to vote would require a compelling governmental interest and must be the least restrictive way to achieve that interest (Section 2).
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Repeal of specific language: The phrase "or other crime" would be removed from section 2 of the fourteenth article of amendment (Section 3).
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Congressional oversight: Congress would have the specific power to create legislation to enforce this article and protect citizens from the denial or abridgment of their right to vote (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed within the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+6Good For Hispanic Americans+6Good For People With Disabilities+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Young Adults+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Voting Rights+9Improves Voting Access+7Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+6
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Electoral Process+8
- 4/27/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2055)
- 9 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts