The "Special Election Timeliness Act," or SET Act, mandates that states hold special elections to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives within a specific timeframe. Under this bill, a special election must occur no later than 180 days after the date the vacancy arises, unless a regularly scheduled general election for that office is already scheduled within that 180-day period. This legislation applies to vacancies caused by various circumstances, including death, resignation, or failure to elect. To ensure compliance, the bill establishes civil enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Attorney General or any aggrieved person, including the Speaker or Minority Leader of the House, to bring a civil action against the state's chief executive for necessary relief.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Congress
SET Act
USA119th CongressHR-8581| House
| Updated: 4/29/2026
The "Special Election Timeliness Act," or SET Act, mandates that states hold special elections to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives within a specific timeframe. Under this bill, a special election must occur no later than 180 days after the date the vacancy arises, unless a regularly scheduled general election for that office is already scheduled within that 180-day period. This legislation applies to vacancies caused by various circumstances, including death, resignation, or failure to elect. To ensure compliance, the bill establishes civil enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Attorney General or any aggrieved person, including the Speaker or Minority Leader of the House, to bring a civil action against the state's chief executive for necessary relief.