People Over Long Lines Act; POLL Act
Summary
The People Over Long Lines Act (POLL Act) aims to reduce voter waiting times in federal elections. It amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002, requiring states to create and publicize plans to ensure equitable waiting times, with a goal of less than 30 minutes at polling places. The bill also establishes remedial plans for states with excessive wait times and provides for emergency paper ballots in case of voting equipment failures.
Expected Effects
The POLL Act will likely lead to more uniform voting experiences across different communities. States may need to allocate additional resources to polling locations to meet the new requirements. The Act also introduces a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue if they experience unreasonable waiting times.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced voter waiting times, particularly in communities of color.
- Increased voter participation and confidence in the electoral system.
- Improved allocation of election resources.
- Enhanced accessibility for voters with disabilities.
- Greater accountability for states in administering federal elections.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential financial burden on states to implement the new requirements.
- Possible legal challenges related to the private right of action.
- Increased administrative complexity for election officials.
- Risk of inconsistent application of standards across different jurisdictions.
- Potential for frivolous lawsuits.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The POLL Act aligns with Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate the time, place, and manner of federal elections. It also aligns with the 15th Amendment, which prohibits the denial or abridgment of the right to vote based on race. The Act aims to enforce these constitutional principles by addressing long waiting times that disproportionately affect minority voters.
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).