Early Voting Act
Key claim: The Early Voting Act (HR1295) would require states to offer at least 15 days of early in-person voting in federal elections, with accessible polling-place placement and early ballot processing rules, unless the jurisdiction already mails ballots to all registered voters.
Abstract
(HR1295 · 118th Congress) Early Voting Act This bill expands early in-person voting. The bill generally requires each state to allow individuals to vote in federal elections during an early voting period of at least 15 days. This requirement does not apply to jurisdictions that send a mail-in ballot to every registered voter. Further, states and jurisdictions must ensure that polling places are accessible by public transportation, located in rural areas, and located on each branch campus of an institution of higher education. The Election Assistance Commission must issue certain voluntary standards for early voting, including the nondiscriminatory geographic placement of polling places. Finally, states and jurisdictions must begin processing and scanning ballots cast during the early voting period at least 14 days prior to election day. However, states and jurisdictions cannot tabulate ballots before the polls close on election day unless the tabulation is necessary and performed in accordance with existing state law. Latest action (2023-03-01): Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Why this matters
Access to early in-person voting shapes turnout and the burden of voting for shift workers, caregivers, rural voters, and people with disabilities who cannot easily reach a polling place on a single Election Day. By setting a federal floor of 15 days and requiring transit-accessible, geographically equitable siting, the bill would standardize a currently patchwork state-by-state practice, while its all-mail-ballot exemption preserves flexibility for jurisdictions that have moved away from precinct-based voting.