H.R. 8078
Voter Empowerment Act of 2026
Sponsor: James E. Clyburn
3 cosponsors
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
I Voter Registration Modernization
A Promoting Internet Registration
B Automatic Voter Registration
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
(a) In General. Section 251(b) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21001(b)) is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting as otherwise provided in this subsection; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(4) Certain voter registration activities. Notwithstanding paragraph (3), a State may use a requirements payment to carry out any of the requirements of the Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2026, including the requirements of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 which are imposed pursuant to the amendments made to such Act by the Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2026.
(b) Conforming Amendment. Section 254(a)(1) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 21004(a)(1)) is amended by striking section 251(a)(2) and inserting section 251(b)(2).
(c) Effective Date. The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2027 and each succeeding fiscal year.
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