POLE Act

This bill aims to enhance the focus on local elections by amending the Help America Vote Act of 2002. It proposes to prohibit the provision of federal funds for the administration of any election (Federal, State, or local) in states that do not have laws permitting their local governments to hold elections for local office in odd-numbered years. The legislation asserts that holding local elections in odd-numbered years allows for greater attention to local candidates and issues, enabling voters to make more informed decisions. The bill's findings emphasize that consolidating all elections into even-numbered years diminishes focus on community matters and can overcrowd ballots, hindering voter decision-making. By encouraging states to authorize odd-year local elections, the act seeks to ensure that local governance, which is considered vital to the nation's republic, receives appropriate voter engagement. This funding restriction is slated to become effective for fiscal year 2027 and all subsequent fiscal years.