What does Preamble of Right to Vote Act do?

This bill is formally titled Protecting the right to vote in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes. The bill's stated purpose is to protect the right to vote in elections for Federal office.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Right to Vote Act do?

This Act is formally titled the 'Right to Vote Act'.

What does UNDUE BURDENS ON THE ABILITY TO VOTE IN ELECTIONS FOR FEDERAL of Right to Vote Act do?

This section establishes a fundamental right for every citizen of legal voting age to vote in elections for Federal office. Governments are restricted from diminishing the ability to vote unless the action is the 'least restrictive means' of furthering an 'important, particularized government interest'. Governments are also restricted from 'substantially impairing' the ability to vote, requiring that such actions 'significantly furthers an important, particularized governmental interest'. A 'substantial impairment' is defined as a 'non-trivial impairment that makes it more difficult to vote' even if voters can still vote.

What does JUDICIAL REVIEW. of Right to Vote Act do?

This section outlines judicial review procedures for actions challenging violations of rights created by this Act. Plaintiffs may bring civil actions in the District of Columbia or the district where the violation occurred, the defendant resides, or the defendant does business. To establish a prima facie case of retrogression, a plaintiff must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that a governmental action diminishes the ability to vote. If retrogression is established, the government must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the diminishment is necessary to significantly further an important governmental interest. If the government meets its burden, the plaintiff can still demonstrate that a less-restrictive means could achieve the same governmental interest. Similar standards apply to claims of substantial impairment of voting ability. Courts are obligated to expedite the disposition of actions and appeals under this section. Section 722(b) of the Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1988(b)) is amended to include the Right to Vote Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Right to Vote Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Covered entity” is defined as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and all U.S. territories and possessions. The terms “election” and “Federal office” are defined by reference to section 301 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. “Government” includes branches, departments, agencies, and officials of the United States, states, covered entities, or political subdivisions. “Vote” encompasses all actions required to make a vote effective, including registration, casting a ballot, and having it counted.

What does RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. of Right to Vote Act do?

This section outlines rules of construction for the Act. The Act cannot be interpreted as authorizing a government to burden the right to vote in federal elections. The Act does not intend to alter existing rights under state constitutions or the U.S. Constitution. The Act does not intend to limit remedies for violations of federal, state, or local law.

What does SEVERABILITY. of Right to Vote 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 any provision to a citizen or circumstance also follows this principle; if invalid for one, it remains valid for others.

What does EFFECTIVE DATES. of Right to Vote Act do?

This section establishes effective dates for provisions in section 2. Subsection (b) of section 2 applies to governmental actions not in effect during the November 2024 general election but in effect for elections on or after September 1, 2026. Subsection (c) of section 2 applies to governmental actions in effect for elections on or after September 1, 2026.

Back to bills

Right to Vote Act

Last updated: 6/24/2026 · Introduced: 6/24/2026

Author: Summer Lee (D-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a fundamental right for citizens of legal voting age to vote in federal elections, restricting governments from actions that diminish or substantially impair this right unless they are the least restrictive means of furthering an important government interest.
The bill allows individuals to bring civil actions in federal court to challenge actions that impede their ability to vote, requiring the government to demonstrate a compelling justification for any restrictions.
The bill defines key terms related to voting, including 'vote' (encompassing registration, casting, and counting ballots), 'government' (including federal, state, and local entities), and 'covered entity' (including U.S. territories).

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

8 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account