PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Nov 6, 2023
Voting Overseas Treated Equally for Servicemembers Act of 2023 or the VOTES Act of 2023
This bill expands the definitions of absent uniformed services voter and overseas voter for purposes of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
UOCAVA requires that states and jurisdictions allow certain groups of citizens to register and vote absentee in federal elections. Absent uniformed services voters under UOCAVA are primarily active duty service members who are away from their voting residence. These include members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. The current definition of absent uniformed services voter also includes (1) members of the merchant marine and commissioned officers of the U.S. Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and (2) spouses or dependents who also are absent from their voting residence due to the member's active duty or service.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
This bill expands the definition of absent uniformed services voter to include (1) members on active service or inactive duty training who are absent from their voting residence, and (2) spouses or dependents who are absent from their voting residence due to the member's active service or inactive duty training.
The bill also expands the definition of overseas voter to include an absent uniformed services voter who, by reason of active service or inactive duty training, is absent from the United States on the date of the election involved.
People & committees
Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10] · D–FL
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Dec 18, 2024. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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