VOTE Act

This legislation amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to establish comprehensive minimum notification requirements for voters impacted by changes to their polling places for federal elections. Its primary goal is to ensure voters are adequately informed about where and how to cast their ballots, thereby enhancing election transparency and accessibility. Key provisions include a mandate for states to notify individual registered voters of a polling place change at least seven days before an election , utilizing methods such as mail, telephone, text message, and email. Additionally, states must post general notices on their websites, social media, and at the previous polling place. If a change occurs within seven days of an election, states must make reasonable efforts to assist voters who appear at their former polling location. For jurisdictions employing vote centers , election officials are required to notify all eligible voters of the locations of all available polling places at least two days before the start of early voting. Furthermore, if a location previously used as a polling place is no longer active, states must ensure signs are posted at that site on election day and during early voting. These signs must clearly state the location is closed, provide information on current polling places, directions to substitute locations, and contact details for election officials, with this information also available online. All required notices must comply with the linguistic assistance provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, ensuring accessibility for diverse voter populations. These new requirements are set to apply to all federal elections held on or after January 1, 2026.