S.2124 - Election Worker Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Election Worker Protection Act of 2025 aims to enhance protections for election workers by providing grants to states for recruitment, training, and safety measures. It also seeks to prevent the disclosure of personal information of election workers and prohibits harassment and intimidation. The Act further addresses poll observer interference and makes intimidation of tabulation, canvass, and certification efforts a crime.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase the safety and security of election workers, encouraging more people to participate in the electoral process. It may also lead to more robust training programs and better protection of personal information. The Act could also reduce interference and intimidation during elections, promoting fairer and more accurate results.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced safety and security for election workers, reducing the risk of harassment and intimidation.
- Increased recruitment and training of election workers, leading to more efficient and effective elections.
- Protection of election workers' personally identifiable information, safeguarding their privacy.
- Prevention of poll observer interference, ensuring fair and orderly elections.
- Stronger enforcement mechanisms against those who threaten or harass election workers.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs to states and the federal government for implementing the grant programs.
- Possible challenges in defining and enforcing the prohibition of harassment and intimidation.
- Risk of political subdivisions within a state competing for grant money if the state does not apply.
- Potential for increased federal oversight of state election processes.
- The act relies on appropriations, which may not always be available, hindering its effectiveness.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution by promoting fair and secure elections, which are essential for a representative democracy. It can be seen as an effort to ensure that elections are conducted without intimidation or coercion, supporting the principles of free and fair elections. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech (Amendment I) or the right to bear arms (Amendment II).
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).