What does Preamble of Sustaining Our Democracy Act do?

This bill aims to establish a democracy advancement and innovation program The bill was introduced to the House of Representatives

What does DEMOCRACY ADVANCEMENT AND INNOVATION PROGRAM. of Sustaining Our Democracy Act do?

This section establishes the “Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program” under which the Director of the Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation will allocate funds to states for democracy promotion activities. Eligible democracy promotion activities include improving election administration efficiency, securing election infrastructure, recruiting and training election officials, and increasing access to voting for underserved communities. States can retain and reserve allocations for future use. To receive an allocation, a state must submit a State plan 90 days before the fiscal year and have it approved by the Director, in consultation with the Election Assistance Commission, 45 days before the fiscal year. If a state's plan is not initially approved, it can submit a revised plan for review. If a state fails to submit a plan, the program's provisions apply to political subdivisions within that state. States must submit a report to the Director within 90 days after the fiscal year's end, detailing how the allocation was used. The Director will make State plans, approval notifications, and state reports publicly available on a website, with redaction allowed for certain sensitive information. This section applies to fiscal year 2026 and subsequent fiscal years.

What does STATE PLAN. of Sustaining Our Democracy Act do?

A State plan must contain descriptions of democracy promotion activities The plan must include statements on resource distribution and allocation of funds The State must establish a fund for administering democracy promotion activities The fund can only be used for democracy promotion activities The Director may defer payment to a State until legislation establishing the fund is enacted

What does PROHIBITIONS. of Sustaining Our Democracy Act do?

This section outlines prohibited uses of payments made under the Program. States may not use these payments to restrict voter participation or engage in activities like intimidating voters or removing election administrators improperly. Specific prohibited activities include restricting beverage distribution at polling places (except based on political preference), removing election administrators without cause, and investigating voter fraud claims based solely on voter confidence. States must establish complaint procedures for individuals alleging violations of these prohibitions. The Director will review complaints and may uphold or reverse state decisions, with public availability of related materials except for legally protected information. Individuals dissatisfied with the Director’s decision can petition the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The Attorney General can bring civil actions against states to enforce the prohibitions outlined in this section.

What does AMOUNT OF STATE ALLOCATION. of Sustaining Our Democracy Act do?

The amount allocated to a State is based on the product of the Congressional district allocation amount and the number of Congressional districts in the State. The Congressional district allocation amount is determined by dividing the aggregate amount available by the total number of Congressional districts in all States. The Director determines the aggregate amount available for allocations and notifies each State of its allocation 120 days before the start of each fiscal year. The Director consults with the Election Assistance Commission when making determinations. Allocations and payments under the Program are derived solely from the Trust Fund.

What does PROCEDURES FOR DISBURSEMENTS OF PAYMENTS AND ALLOCATIONS. of Sustaining Our Democracy Act do?

This section outlines the procedures for disbursing payments and allocations related to State plans. Upon approval of a State plan, the Director directs the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate funds to the Election Assistance Commission. The Election Assistance Commission then makes payments to local election administrators and the State itself. Local election administrators receive funds for activities they carry out directly, while the State receives any remaining funds. Payments made to a State are available without fiscal year limitation.

What does OFFICE OF DEMOCRACY ADVANCEMENT AND INNOVATION. of Sustaining Our Democracy Act do?

This section establishes the Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation as an independent establishment in the executive branch. The Office will be headed by a Director appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent, serving a 6-year term. The Director's compensation is equivalent to the annual rate for level II of the Executive Schedule. The Director oversees the operation of the Trust Fund and monitors its balances, in consultation with the Election Assistance Commission and the Secretary of the Treasury. The Director must submit a report to Congress on the Program's activities and Trust Fund transactions every two years, starting after the 2026 general election. The Office is subject to audits and investigations under the Inspector General Act of 1978. The Director is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the Office's duties. During a transition period, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget is authorized to perform the functions of the Office. Sums are authorized to be appropriated from the Trust Fund to carry out the Office’s activities.

What does STATE ELECTION ASSISTANCE AND INNOVATION TRUST FUND. of Sustaining Our Democracy Act do?

A State Election Assistance and Innovation Trust Fund is established in the Treasury. The Trust Fund is appropriated $2,500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035. Funds are used for payments, allocations under the Program, and Office activities. The Office can accept gifts or bequests for the Trust Fund.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Sustaining Our Democracy Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Chief State election official” is defined by reference to section 253(e) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002. “Director” refers to the Director of the Office. “Indian lands” includes Indian country, land owned by Indian Tribes or Village Corporations in Alaska, land with a Tribal government seat, and Tribal or Alaska Native village statistical areas. “Office” means the Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation established under section 105. “Program” refers to the Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program established under section 101. “State” includes the several States, the District of Columbia, and various U.S. territories. “Trust Fund” means the State Election Assistance and Innovation Trust Fund established under section 201.

What does RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING CALCULATION OF DEADLINES. of Sustaining Our Democracy Act do?

This section establishes a rule for calculating deadlines within the Act. The last day of a deadline period is included in the calculation unless it falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal public holiday. If the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal public holiday, the deadline is extended to the next day that is not one of those days. A 'legal public holiday' is defined as a day described in section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code.

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Sustaining Our Democracy Act

Last updated: 8/5/2025 · Introduced: 8/5/2025

Author: Nikema Williams (D-GA)

TL;DR (AI)

The Sustaining Our Democracy Act establishes a Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program to allocate funds to states for democracy promotion activities, such as improving election administration efficiency and increasing access to voting for underserved communities.
States can receive allocations based on the number of Congressional districts in the state, with the amount determined by the Director of the Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation.
The Act prohibits states from using allocated payments to restrict voter participation, intimidate voters, or engage in other activities that undermine democracy.
A State Election Assistance and Innovation Trust Fund is established with $2,500,000,000 appropriated for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035 to support the Program and Office activities.
The Director of the Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation is responsible for overseeing the Program, monitoring the Trust Fund, and submitting reports to Congress on the Program's activities and Trust Fund transactions.

119th Congressin committeeS. 2588(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, democracy advancement and innovation program., and 5 more.

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TITLE II

-STATE ELECTION ASSISTANCE AND INNOVATION TRUST FUND

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TITLE III

-GENERAL PROVISIONS

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