Summary
Prevents government agencies from using funds to work with outside groups on voter registration or to carry out activities from Executive Order 14019.
What problem does this solve?
Some are concerned that federal agencies are using taxpayer money to partner with outside groups for voter registration, which could be seen as a political activity. This bill stops agencies from using funds for these purposes and requires them to report their plans to Congress.
What does this bill do?
Prohibits partnerships with outside groups
Stops federal agencies from using money to make deals with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to register voters or encourage voting on agency property or websites.
Pauses activities from Executive Order 14019
Freezes spending on activities related to voter access from Executive Order 14019 until the agency has sent its plan to Congress.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(d)
Header:
Prohibiting voter registration and mobilization in Federal work-Study programs
Bans voter registration in Federal Work-Study jobs
Changes the Higher Education Act to forbid using Federal Work-Study programs for jobs that involve registering or mobilizing voters.
Requires agencies to report to Congress
Makes the head of each federal agency send a copy of their voter registration plan, created under Executive Order 14019, to Congress within 30 days.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(a)
Header:
Clarification of Federal agency involvement in voter registration activities
Limits Executive Order 14019
States that Executive Order 14019 has no power if its rules go against the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
Who does this affect?
- Federal agencies
- Voter registration organizations
- College students in Federal Work-Study programs
What is the real world impact?
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Ensures government neutrality in elections
Keeps federal agencies from using government money and property for voter registration drives with outside groups. This helps make sure that government resources are not used for political activities that could favor one group over another.
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Restricts voter access
Critics may argue that stopping agencies from helping with voter registration could make it harder for some people to vote. This could lower voter turnout, especially among groups that are helped by these registration drives.
When does this start?
The rules in this bill would start in fiscal year 2025 and includes several deadlines for federal agencies.
Agency reports to Congress
Within 30 days of the bill becoming law, all federal agencies must send reports to Congress about their voter registration plans and activities.
Pause on voter registration spending
Agencies must wait 180 days after submitting their report to Congress before they can use funds for activities under Executive Order 14019.