What does Preamble of POLL Act do?

This bill aims to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 The amendment seeks to prevent long waiting lines for voters in Federal office elections

What does SHORT TITLE. of POLL Act do?

This bill is formally titled the People Over Long Lines Act

What does FINDINGS. of POLL Act do?

This section outlines findings related to voting access and long wait times at polling locations. It asserts that the right to vote is fundamental and rules should protect it and promote participation. The text highlights a movement to create barriers to voting, particularly impacting communities of color, disabled individuals, young people, elderly individuals, and low-income Americans. Long wait times, attributed to factors like reduced early voting, resource allocation, funding cuts, and fewer polling locations, disproportionately affect voters in predominantly Black neighborhoods. A 2019 study found that voters in predominantly Black neighborhoods waited 29% longer than those in White neighborhoods and were 74% more likely to wait over 30 minutes. Long lines discourage voting, undermine confidence in the electoral system, and impose economic costs. The Presidential Commission on Election Administration recommended that no citizen should wait more than 30 minutes to vote. Despite this recommendation, long lines persist, especially in communities of color. Examples of excessive wait times are cited, including instances in Arizona, Georgia, and Ohio. The text states that Congress has the authority under Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution and the 15th Amendment to enact laws governing elections and enforcing voting rights.

What does PREVENTING UNREASONABLE VOTER WAITING TIMES. of POLL Act do?

This section amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to address unreasonable voter waiting times. States are required to submit plans 60 days before each federal election detailing measures to ensure equitable waiting times and a maximum 30-minute wait at polling places. The Commission will review voter waiting times after each federal election and publicly report its findings. Jurisdictions with excessive waiting times (over 60 minutes) may be subject to State remedial plans established by the Attorney General to allocate resources and reduce waiting times. The Attorney General must establish standards for reviewing waiting times and creating remedial plans within 180 days of enactment. In the event of voting equipment failure or other delays, voters are entitled to emergency paper ballots. A private right of action is created allowing individuals aggrieved by violations of the waiting time provisions to file suit in federal court. Civil penalties, including attorney fees, will be assessed for violations, with increased penalties for intentional vote suppression.

What does MINIMUM REQUIRED VOTING SYSTEMS, POLL WORKERS, AND ELECTION of POLL Act do?

This section amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to add minimum requirements for voting systems, poll workers, and election resources. Each State must provide for the minimum required number of voting systems, poll workers, and other election resources for each voting site on the day of any Federal election. The requirements apply to Federal elections and early voting days, in accordance with standards determined under section 299.

What does PROHIBITION ON CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES BY CHIEF STATE ELECTION of POLL Act do?

This section amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit chief state election administration officials from taking an active part in political management or a political campaign for federal office over which they have supervisory authority. The term 'chief State election administration official' is defined as the highest State official with responsibility for the administration of Federal elections under State law. Examples of prohibited activities include serving on a candidate's committee, using official authority to influence elections, and soliciting campaign contributions. An exception is provided if the official recuses themselves from all responsibilities for an election in which they or an immediate family member are a candidate, and the official assuming responsibility does not report to them. The term 'immediate family member' is defined as including a father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, husband, wife, father-in-law, or mother-in-law. These amendments will apply to elections for Federal office held after January 1, 2027.

What does PAYMENTS TO STATES TO PREVENT UNREASONABLE WAIT TIMES AND of POLL Act do?

This section amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to add payments to states for preventing unreasonable voter wait times. The Commission shall make a payment to each eligible state within 30 days of enactment. Eligible states must file a state plan with the Commission describing how they intend to use the funds. Payments are to be used to meet the requirements of sections 305 and 321. The amount of payment is determined by a minimum payment amount plus a voting age population proportion amount.

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POLL Act

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

Author: Nikema Williams (D-GA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill requires states to submit plans to ensure voters do not wait more than 30 minutes at polling places, with remedial plans for jurisdictions with excessive wait times.
States must provide a minimum required number of voting systems, poll workers, and election resources for each voting site on the day of any federal election.
The bill prohibits chief state election administration officials from engaging in campaign activities for federal office over which they have supervisory authority.
The bill creates a private right of action for individuals aggrieved by violations of the waiting time provisions, with civil penalties for violations, including intentional vote suppression.
The bill provides payments to states to prevent unreasonable voter wait times, with funds to be used to meet the requirements for voting systems, poll workers, and election resources.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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