H.R. 8078

Voter Empowerment Act of 2026

Sponsor: James E. Clyburn

3 cosponsors
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Official summary

Written by the Congressional Research Service.

Voter Empowerment Act of 2026

This bill expands voter registration and voting access.

Specifically, the bill expands voter registration by requiring states to (1) make available online voter registration, (2) establish automatic voter registration systems, (3) permit same-day voter registration, and (4) accept voter registration applications from individuals under age 18.

Further, the bill limits removing voters from voter rolls and prohibits interference with voter registration or voting.

Next, the bill requires states to allow individuals with disabilities to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in federal elections.

The bill also prohibits voter caging (the practice of sending mail to addresses on voter rolls, compiling a list of the undeliverable mail, and using the list to remove registered voters from voter rolls).

Next, the bill expands voting access by requiring states to allow early voting and voting by mail without additional conditions. It also requires states to provide secured drop boxes at which individuals may drop off their completed absentee ballots.

In addition, the bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any federal election shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence.

Finally, the bill permanently reauthorizes the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). It also directs the EAC to make grants to states for specified activities, including to implement automatic voter registration systems.

Text of the bill

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I Voter Registration Modernization

A Promoting Internet Registration

B Automatic Voter Registration

Sec. 111. Short title; findings and purpose

(a) Short title. This subtitle may be cited as the Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2026.

(b) Findings and purpose

(1) Findings. Congress finds that—

(A) the right to vote is a fundamental right of citizens of the United States;

(B) it is the responsibility of the State and Federal Governments to ensure that every eligible citizen is registered to vote;

(C) existing voter registration systems can be inaccurate, costly, inaccessible and confusing, with damaging effects on voter participation in elections for Federal office and disproportionate impacts on young people, persons with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities; and

(D) voter registration systems must be updated with 21st century technologies and procedures to maintain their security.

(2) Purpose. It is the purpose of this subtitle—

(A) to establish that it is the responsibility of government at every level to ensure that all eligible citizens are registered to vote in elections for Federal office;

(B) to enable the State and Federal Governments to register all eligible citizens to vote with accurate, cost-efficient, and up-to-date procedures;

(C) to modernize voter registration and list maintenance procedures with electronic and internet capabilities; and

(D) to protect and enhance the integrity, accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of the electoral process for all eligible citizens.

C Same Day Voter Registration

D Conditions on Removal on Basis of Interstate Cross-Checks

E Other Initiatives To Promote Voter Registration

F Availability of HAVA Requirements Payments

G Prohibiting Interference With Voter Registration

H Voter Registration Efficiency Act

I Providing Voter Registration Information to Secondary School Students

J Voter Registration of Minors

II Access to Voting for Individuals With Disabilities

III Prohibiting Voter Caging

IV Prohibiting Deceptive Practices and Preventing Voter Intimidation

V Democracy Restoration

VI Promoting Accuracy, Integrity, and Security Through Voter-Verified Permanent Paper Ballot

VII Provisional Ballots

VIII Early Voting

IX Voting by Mail

X Absent Uniformed Services Voters and Overseas Voters

XI Poll Worker Recruitment and Training

XII Enhancement of Enforcement

XIII Federal Election Integrity

XIV Promoting Voter Access Through Election Administration Improvements

A Promoting Voter Access

B Disaster and Emergency Contingency Plans

C Improvements in Operation of Election Assistance Commission

D Miscellaneous Provisions

XV Severability