The Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act is a proposed bill that would "Amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a state from imposing additional conditions or requirements on the eligibility of an individual to cast a vote in federal elections by mail, except to the extent that it imposes a deadline for requesting the ballot and returning it to the appropriate state or local election official.". The bill would remove restrictions in 22 states that require specific reasons, such as doctors notes, for voting absentee by mail.
Background
In the United States, an absentee ballot is a ballot that the voter records and casts other than at a designated polling station on Election Day. Typically these ballots are mailed, though some states provide provisions for emailing ballots, faxing ballots, or delivering them in person to a designated location. Typically a voter must request an absentee ballot at least a week before the election occurs. Each State's Secretary of State or Director of Elections is in charge of the election process, including voter registration and absentee ballot requests. Balloting materials may be sent via the United States Postal Service without prepayment of postage for members of the Armed Forces, members of the U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. citizens residing outside the territorial limits of the United States and the District of Columbia and their spouses. As of September 30, 2014:
33 states and the District of Columbia allow early voting with no-excuse required.
27 states and the District of Columbia permit voters to vote absentee without requiring an excuse.
20 states permit voters to vote via absentee ballots but require an excuse.
6 states and the District of Columbia allow voters to request 'Permanent Absentee Status'.
5 states conduct their elections completely by mail.
Provisions
Allows all eligible voters nationwide to vote by mail for any reason in federal elections.
Removes the doctor’s note, notary and privacy information requirements imposed by some states.
Legislative History
House
The bill was originally introduced on January 5, 2007 during the 110th congress by Susan Davis. However, it never got past the committee phase in the House. The bill was again introduced by Rep. Susan Davis on March 19, 2009. It currently has 50 co-sponsors. The bill cleared the House Administration Committee on June 10. The next step is a vote on the House floor.
The bill is essentially part of a package with two other bills also authored by Congresswoman Davis. The other two, which both passed committee the same day as the main bill are...
