What does Preamble of Voting Systems Protection Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To amend title 52 and title 18, United States Code, to ensure the integrity of voting systems.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Voting Systems Protection Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Voting Systems Protection Act.

What does STATE OFFICIAL OVERSIGHT OF SEIZED ELECTION MATERIALS. of Voting Systems Protection Act do?

This section amends Title 52 of the United States Code to establish a requirement for state official oversight of federally seized election materials. The Federal Government must permit a designated state official to be present during and maintain continuous oversight of the handling, transport, storage, examination, and chain of custody of seized election materials during federal custody. The Secretary of State, or a designated official, serves as the state oversight official. The designated official has the right to observe handling, access storage locations, document conditions, and countersign chain-of-custody documentation. A warrant from a court is required for a federal agency to conduct a seizure of election materials. The federal agency conducting the seizure must provide reasonable accommodations, cover travel costs, and not impede the state official's oversight functions.

What does CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR TAMPERING WITH OR DESTRUCTION OF of Voting Systems Protection Act do?

This section amends Chapter 29 of Title 18, United States Code, by adding Section 594A. Section 594A prohibits federal officials, employees, agents, contractors, or individuals acting under color of federal law from tampering with, altering, damaging, or destroying seized election materials. Prohibited actions include mishandling election materials, failing to maintain the chain of custody, falsifying records, and obstructing state official oversight. Violations committed knowingly and willfully can result in fines, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Negligent or reckless violations can result in fines not exceeding $250,000. Individuals violating this section are permanently disqualified from holding federal office or positions of federal employment. A prosecution for a violation of this section may be commenced within 9 years after the commission of the offense. States harmed by a violation of this section may bring a civil action in U.S. district court for damages and equitable relief.

What does NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO FEDERAL SEIZURE OF ELECTION of Voting Systems Protection Act do?

This section establishes notification requirements prior to a federal seizure of election materials as defined in section 20702(a) of title 52. Federal agencies must provide written notification to the Secretary of State (or equivalent) at least 48 hours before seizing election materials. The notification must include details such as the materials to be seized, legal authority, duration of custody, agency contact, storage locations, and any court orders. Simultaneous notification must also be provided to specified Congressional committees: the House Administration Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and the Senate Judiciary Committee. Notifications must be in writing, transmitted electronically with certified mail confirmation, and sent simultaneously to all recipients. An emergency exception allows for notification within 6 hours of seizure, accompanied by a detailed explanation of the circumstances. Federal officials who willfully fail to provide required notifications are subject to penalties outlined in section 594A(b) of title 18, United States Code.

What does RESTRICTION ON FEDERAL SEIZURE OF ELECTION MATERIALS IN of Voting Systems Protection Act do?

This section restricts federal agencies from seizing election materials during a 'restricted period,' defined as 120 days before and 120 days after a federal election. The prohibition applies to election materials described in section 20702(a) of title 52 from state, county, municipal, or election jurisdictions. An exception to the prohibition exists if there is clear and convincing evidence of an imminent threat to election integrity, public safety, or national security. To seize election materials under the exception, a federal agency must obtain an order from a federal district court judge based on an affidavit and a finding of imminent harm. The agency must also make a good-faith effort to provide notifications as required by section 5 of the Act. The scope of any seizure must be narrowly tailored to address the specific imminent harm. States or their Secretaries of State can seek expedited judicial review of any seizure violating the prohibition. A federal court can issue restraining orders, order the return of seized materials, and award attorney's fees to a prevailing state party. Federal officials who knowingly violate this section are subject to a civil penalty of $50,000 to $500,000 per violation, in addition to any criminal penalties.

What does RULEMAKING AND IMPLEMENTATION. of Voting Systems Protection Act do?

This section outlines rulemaking and implementation procedures for the Act. The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Election Assistance Commission, must issue regulations within 180 days of enactment. These regulations must implement the Act and establish standardized forms and procedures for notifications as required by section 5. The Attorney General is also responsible for developing and implementing mandatory training for all Federal law enforcement personnel on the Act's requirements and procedures.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Voting Systems Protection Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Voting machine” and “voting system” encompass any device or software used in the casting, recording, tabulating, transmitting, or reporting of votes in a Federal election. “Election equipment and records” includes voting machines, voter registration rolls, ballots, tally sheets, and related software and infrastructure used in Federal elections. “Imminent harm” is defined as a specific, credible, and documented threat likely to occur imminently, causing material harm to election integrity, public safety, or national security, and not adequately addressed by less intrusive measures. The “restricted period” begins 120 days before and ends 120 days after a Federal election, with calculations independent for elections in close proximity. “State official” refers to the Secretary of State or a designated officer responsible for State elections, while “chief election official” is the highest-ranking election administrator at the state or local level. “Seizure” and “takes custody of” refer to actions by Federal agencies that obtain possession or control of election equipment and records, including physical removal, directives restricting access, or execution of legal processes.

What does SEVERABILITY. of Voting Systems Protection Act do?

This section establishes a severability clause for the Act. If a portion of the Act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will still be in effect. The application of the Act to other persons or circumstances will not be affected by a finding of unconstitutionality.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of Voting Systems Protection Act do?

This Act will become effective 90 days after its enactment.

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Voting Systems Protection Act

Last updated: 6/18/2026 · Introduced: 6/18/2026

Author: Daniel Goldman (D-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill requires state officials to oversee federal agencies handling seized election materials, ensuring their presence during handling, transport, storage, and chain of custody.
It establishes criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for federal officials who tamper with or destroy seized election materials, and permanently disqualifies violators from federal employment.
Federal agencies must provide 48-hour written notification to state officials and specified congressional committees before seizing election materials, with limited exceptions for emergencies.
The bill generally prohibits federal agencies from seizing election materials for 120 days before and after a federal election, except when there's clear and convincing evidence of an imminent threat.
The Attorney General must issue regulations and provide training for federal law enforcement personnel to implement the Act's requirements regarding election materials.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

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