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H.R.8092 / 116th Congress

Protecting Democracy by Securing the Right To Vote by Mail Act

Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, 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 · Aug 22, 2020

Protecting Democracy by Securing the Right To Vote by Mail Act

This bill establishes certain rules for the treatment of absentee ballots in federal elections.

Specifically, the bill requires states to allow an individual to (1) submit a request for an absentee ballot through the internet or mobile application and by telephone, and (2) cast their ballot by delivering it by mail or to a polling place or drop-off location.

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Further, the bill prohibits states from refusing to accept or process an absentee ballot on the grounds that the individual did not meet a deadline for returning the ballot, if the ballot is (1) postmarked, signed, or otherwise indicated by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) that it was mailed on or before the date of the election; and (2) received by the appropriate election official prior to the expiration of the 10-day period beginning on the date of the election.

Finally, the Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the USPS. The report must include (1) a review of the current level of staffing, funding, equipment, and other information related to the USPS; and (2) recommendations on how to improve the USPS to provide low-cost and efficient postal delivery services six days a week.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Jackson Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18] · D–TX

Committees

  • Oversight and Government Reform Committee
  • Committee on House Administration
22 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, 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 Committee on Oversight and Reform, 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. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4263)

  4. Introduced in House

  5. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Feb 4, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.8092 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.8092 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.8092 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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