What does Preamble of Military VOTE Act do?

This bill amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. It requires states to accept the official post card form prescribed by the Secretary of Defense when submitted electronically. The bill is referred to the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Armed Services.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Military VOTE Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Military Voters Overseas Technical Enhancement Act.

What does PROMOTING TIMELY AND ACCURATE DELIVERY OF POST CARD FORM AND of Military VOTE Act do?

This section amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to require acceptance of the official post card form for voter registration and absentee ballot applications, regardless of whether it is submitted electronically or physically. It establishes a grant program, administered by the Presidential designee, to assist states in complying with this new requirement. To receive a grant, states must certify their inability to comply, describe their existing process, and provide a plan and cost breakdown for implementation. Up to $40,000,000 is authorized for these grants. The term 'State' includes various territories and the District of Columbia. The section also modifies UOCAVA to require states to transmit ballots electronically if an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter does not designate a preference, or by any allowable method if electronic transmission is not possible. These changes will apply to the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2026 and subsequent elections.

What does USE OF SINGLE ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION FOR SUBSEQUENT of Military VOTE Act do?

This section amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to allow absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to have their absentee ballot applications considered valid for subsequent federal elections. If a state accepts a voter's combined registration and absentee ballot application, it must provide a ballot in paper form for at least the next two subsequent elections, or for each subsequent election if the voter receives ballots electronically. Exceptions to this provision apply if a voter's registration is cancelled, the state obtains evidence of ineligibility, or the voter requests to no longer receive ballots under this subsection. States may not refuse to accept applications from these voters based on early submission compared to non-uniformed/overseas absentee voters. Section 101 of UOCAVA is amended to include a provision enabling the official post card form to allow voters to request absentee ballots for subsequent elections. These amendments apply to voter registration and absentee ballot applications submitted on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

What does EVALUATION OF ACCURACY AND TIMELINESS OF VOTER REGISTRATION of Military VOTE Act do?

This section amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). It redesignates subsection (c) of Section 105A as subsection (d). A new subsection (c) is added, requiring an evaluation of voter registration information provided to absent uniformed services voters upon transfer to a new duty station. The Presidential designee must submit this evaluation to the President and relevant congressional committees within one year of the subsection's enactment.

What does STUDY AND REPORT ON FEASIBILITY OF AUTOMATIC VOTER of Military VOTE Act do?

This section directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on the feasibility of automatic voter registration for members of the uniformed services. The study must assess the use of enlistment/commission data for initial voter registration and for updating existing registrations. The study will also evaluate the feasibility and costs of electronically transmitting voter registration information to state election officials. The Secretary of Defense must submit a report on the study to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees within 180 days of the Act's enactment and make it publicly available.

What does NO EFFECT ON ABILITY TO REGISTER OR REVISE REGISTRATION of Military VOTE Act do?

This section clarifies that the Act does not limit the ability of members of the Armed Forces to register to vote directly with a State election official. The Act also ensures that members of the Armed Forces can revise their voter registration information, including their place of residence, directly with a State election official. This provision applies to both the Act itself and any amendments made by it.

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Military VOTE Act

Last updated: 4/22/2026 · Introduced: 4/22/2026

Author: Sean Casten (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill requires states to accept the official post card form prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for voter registration and absentee ballot applications, regardless of submission method, and establishes grants to assist states in complying with this requirement.
The bill allows absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to have their absentee ballot applications considered valid for subsequent federal elections, ensuring they receive ballots for at least two subsequent elections unless certain conditions apply.
The Secretary of Defense must conduct a study on the feasibility of automatic voter registration for members of the uniformed services, including assessing the use of enlistment data and electronic transmission of voter registration information.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

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

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