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H.R.5664 / 106th Congress

Voters' Bill of Rights for the 21st Century

Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Commerce, 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.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Dec 14, 2000

Voter's Bill of Rights for the 21st Century - Expresses the sense of Congress that American voters in the 21st century should be entitled to the right to: (1) use a ballot format that permits clear identification of candidates and the accurate implementation of voter's preferences in the selection of candidates; (2) use informational technology to select candidates that is fair and user friendly; (3) vote in a manner not prejudiced by media announcements of election results in time zones where the polls have closed or when races are too close to call; (4) vote in a manner not subject to intimidation; (5) have absentee ballots of members of the uniformed service and civilians counted on Election Day; (6) have a uniform statewide standard for counting and recounting all votes; (7) have an Electoral College which reflects the preferences of voters in a fair and accurate manner; (8) have complaints about elections and election contests resolved fairly, accurately, and efficiently; (9) vote on a day of the week which maximizes voter turnout; and (10) make the most informed decision on Election Day.Title I: 21st Century Bipartisan Electoral Commission - Establishes the 21st Century Bipartisan Electoral Commission to: (1) develop a uniform ballot format for presidential elections that is clear, accurate, and presents candidates in a readily recognizable way and that is easy to use for all age groups and America's diverse population; (2) evaluate existing voting technologies to determine their accuracy and effectiveness in reflecting voter's intentions; (3) make recommendations on the feasibility of a Federal matching grant program for States to implement changes in ballot formats and to purchase new, more accurate, and user-friendly voting machines and tabulation technologies; (4) make recommendations about a method of voter identification to ensure accurate recognition of voters, while insuring that no voter is subject to intimidation of any kind in casting votes; (5) establish standards for military voting that address issues of postmarks, witnessing, and time of receipt of ballots to ensure that the votes of members of the uniformed services are counted on Election Day; (6) establish standards for civilian absentee ballots that address issues of voter identification, witnessing, and time of receipt to ensure that these ballots are counted on Election Day; (7) make recommendations to establish a uniform poll closing time; (8) make recommendations on the appropriateness of changing Election Day in presidential election years to the first Sunday in November to increase voter participation; (9) reassess the electoral college and evaluate strategies to better reflect voters intentions across the country for electing the President and Vice President; (10) examine State laws to determine whether or not each State has a uniform statewide standard for vote tabulation, protests, and contests of national, State, and local elections which would protect against equal protection violations under the Constitution; and (11) make recommendations on conducting a 21st Century Voter Education Campaign publicizing its recommendations.Directs the Commission to establish and operate a website to facilitate public comment on and participation in its activities.Authorizes appropriations.Title II: Review of Role of Media - Expresses the sense of Congress that broadcasters and other members of the media should review and take steps to strengthen their participation in the voluntary agreement on election reporting described in the report entitled "Single Poll Closing Time for Presidential General Elections in the Continental United States."

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Who introduced it

Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-7] · D–MA

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Judiciary Committee
  • Committee on House Administration
0 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

    Actions

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    1. Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Commerce, 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.

    2. Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Commerce, 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.

    3. Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Commerce, 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.

    4. Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Commerce, 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.

    5. Introduced in House

    6. Introduced in House

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    Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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    Source last updated: Aug 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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