Making American Elections Great Again Act
Summary
The "Making American Elections Great Again Act" proposes significant changes to the US census, congressional apportionment, and federal election requirements. It mandates that only citizens be counted for congressional apportionment, modifies the census timeline, and requires proof of citizenship and photo ID for federal elections. The bill aims to ensure that only citizens are represented in Congress and are voting in federal elections.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would change how the US census is conducted and how congressional districts are determined. It would also likely lead to stricter voter ID laws at the federal level. These changes could impact representation in Congress and voter turnout, particularly among naturalized citizens and minority groups.
Potential Benefits
- Could potentially strengthen the principle of citizen-based representation.
- May increase confidence in the integrity of federal elections among some citizens.
- Could lead to a more accurate count of the citizen population for resource allocation.
- May reduce the potential for non-citizen voting in federal elections.
- Could streamline voter registration by clarifying citizenship requirements.
Potential Disadvantages
- May lead to an undercount of the total population, affecting federal funding for states and localities.
- Could disproportionately disenfranchise naturalized citizens and minority voters who may face challenges in providing required documentation.
- Could face legal challenges based on equal protection and voting rights.
- May increase administrative burdens and costs for election officials.
- Could reduce voter turnout, particularly among eligible but less affluent citizens.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is questionable. Section 2 of the Fourteenth Amendment discusses the apportionment of representatives among the several states “according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed.” The proposed change to count only citizens directly contradicts this. Additionally, the requirement for proof of citizenship to vote could be challenged under the Equal Protection Clause and the Voting Rights Act if it disproportionately affects certain groups.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).