Gillibrand, Clyburn reintroduce legislation protecting voting rights

WASHINGTON, D.C. | U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC-6) reintroduced bicameral legislation to modernize America's voter registration system and protect voting rights. The Voter Empowerment Act (VEA) would expand voter registration and voting access by requiring states to make online voter registration available, establish automatic voter registration systems, permit same-day voter registration, and accept voter registration applications from citizens under the age of 18. "The Voter Empowerment Act is commonsense legislation to modernize voter registration and protect our elections from interference. I am proud to introduce it alongside my good friend Rep. Clyburn, and I am determined to get it passed," Sen. Gillibrand said. In recent years, many states have passed new voting restrictions, from limits on absentee ballots to onerous voter ID requirements. These restrictions were empowered by the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) overturning preclearance requirements from the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – allowing states to pass restrictive voting legislation without federal oversight. As of late 2024, at least 31 states had passed 114 new restrictive voting laws in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling. The VEA responds to recently proposed federal and state-level restrictions by improving and protecting voter registration for all voters. Specifically, the bill would: Modernize and streamline voter registration. The bill would require states to provide both same-day and online registration – including the option to update personal information online. States would also be required to automatically register voters whose information passes through another state or federal agency. Prohibit interference in voter registration. The VEA would prohibit anyone from hindering another person from registering to vote and outlaw voter caging – the practice of removing voters from voter rolls because mail sent to them was returned to sender. Improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The VEA would require a broad range of improvements to voter registration, polling places, and absentee voting to better accommodate individuals with disabilities. Increase and protect access to the ballot box. The bill would establish minimum requirements for early voting access, prevent states from adding extra conditions to absentee voting, and require states to notify individuals when their polling place changes. The bill would also protect the right to vote for convicted criminals (unless actively serving a felony sentence) and allow a sworn written statement or student ID to fulfill state-mandated ID requirements. Permanently reauthorize the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The VEA would also direct the EAC to provide grants for states to implement activities that advance and secure the right to vote, including the recruiting and training of poll workers. The full text of the VEA can be found here.

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Gillibrand, Clyburn reintroduce legislation protecting voting rights

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