Funding Early Voting in Rural and Tribal Areas (S. 2751)

What is S. 2751?

(Updated January 28, 2019)

S. 2751 would establish measures to increase access to early voting locations for voters in rural and tribal areas.

Specifically, the Election Assistance Commission would be directed to distribute funds to states that meet the requirements for early voting distribution plans.
To receive these funds, states need to submit a plan to the Commission that:

• Makes early voting options available at least 10 days before an election.
• Allows eligible voters to register and and vote on the same day of an election.
• Provides a secure government websites where eligible voters can register to vote.
• Authorizes the Attorney General to take civil action in order to carry out this act.

Argument in favor

Provides eligible voters in isolated areas with a fundamental right: the ability to cast an early vote in local, state and federal elections.

Argument opposed

Denies important electoral funds to states that don’t meet arbitrary requirements set by the Election Assistance Commission.

Impact

Rural and tribal voters, politicians with rural and tribal constituents, and the Election Assistance Commission.

Cost of S. 2751

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In Depth:

Early voting is allowed in 33 states and the District of Columbia. In some states voters cast their ballots weeks ahead of time, and in some elections these make up a significant chunk of the votes.

For citizens in isolated areas, there are fewer opportunities to vote before election day. It’s become a larger problem recently in states like Ohio, where funding to early voting has been reduced in recent months.

Media:

Sponsoring Sen. John Walsh (D-MT) Press Release

The Nation

(Photo Credit: Slate)