Voter Empowerment Act of 2026

This bill would expand voter registration and access by requiring states to implement online, automatic, and same-day registration systems. It proposes to mandate early voting and no-excuse mail-in voting while prohibiting practices like voter caging and certain interferences with the voting process. Additionally, the bill would restore federal voting rights to individuals with past criminal convictions who are not currently serving a felony sentence and permanently reauthorizes the Election Assistance Commission.

This legislation affects state governments, which must implement new voter registration systems, early voting, and mail-in ballot procedures, as well as the Election Assistance Commission, which is permanently reauthorized. The bill impacts several groups of voters, including individuals with disabilities, citizens under age 18, and individuals with past criminal convictions who are not currently serving a felony sentence. Additionally, the bill affects all U.S. citizens seeking to register or vote in federal elections through expanded access to online, same-day, and automatic registration.

• Expansion of Voter Registration Requirements. The bill requires states to implement online, automatic, and same-day voter registration systems. It also mandates that states accept registration applications from individuals under the age of 18.
• Protections Against Voter Roll Removal and Interference. The legislation limits the removal of voters from registration rolls and prohibits interference with the registration or voting process. It specifically bans voter caging, the practice of using undeliverable mail lists to disqualify registered voters.
• Enhanced Voting Access and Methods. States must allow early voting and no-condition mail-in voting, including the provision of secured drop boxes for absentee ballots. The bill also requires states to provide absentee registration and voting procedures for individuals with disabilities.
• Restoration of Voting Rights. The bill provides that U.S. citizens may not be denied the right to vote in federal elections due to a criminal conviction unless they are actively serving a felony sentence at the time of the election.
• Election Assistance Commission Reauthorization and Grants. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is permanently reauthorized under this bill. The EAC is further directed to provide grants to states for activities such as the implementation of automatic voter registration systems.

This bill permanently reauthorizes the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and expands its role by directing the agency to provide grants to states for the implementation of automatic voter registration systems.

The bill aims to expand voter registration and voting access by establishing national standards for online, automatic, and same-day registration, while protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities and those who have completed felony sentences. It further seeks to standardize early voting and mail-in ballot procedures and permanently reauthorizes the Election Assistance Commission to support state-level election administration.