Sustaining Our Democracy Act

The "Sustaining Our Democracy Act" establishes a comprehensive Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program to provide federal financial assistance to states for enhancing the integrity and accessibility of federal elections. This program aims to support a range of activities designed to strengthen democratic processes across the nation, with funding allocated to states based on their number of Congressional districts. Key activities eligible for funding include promoting innovation to improve election administration efficiency and security, such as upgrading voting equipment, securing voting locations, expanding early and mail voting, and enhancing cybersecurity. The program also supports efforts to recruit, train, and retain nonpartisan election officials and poll workers, while also protecting them from threats. Furthermore, it seeks to increase access to voting for underserved communities, individuals with disabilities, racial and language minority groups, and voters residing in Indian lands. To receive funds, states must submit a detailed plan to the newly established Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation , outlining their proposed activities, resource distribution (addressing geographic and racial disparities), and fund allocation. The Director of this Office, in consultation with the Election Assistance Commission, must approve these plans. States can retain and reserve allocations for future use, and if a state fails to submit a plan, funds may be allocated directly to its political subdivisions. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of funds for activities that diminish voter participation, intimidate voters or election workers, restrict food/drink distribution at polls, or remove election administrators without cause. It also forbids using funds to defend against voter-suppression lawsuits, investigate voter fraud based on mere suspicion, or conduct audits that fail to meet best practices. States are required to establish administrative complaint procedures for alleged violations, with a review process involving the Director and potential judicial oversight. An independent Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation is created, headed by a Senate-confirmed Director, to administer the program and oversee the dedicated State Election Assistance and Innovation Trust Fund . This Trust Fund is appropriated $2.5 billion annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2035, serving as the sole source of funding for the program and the Office's operations. The Office is also authorized to accept gifts and bequests for deposit into the Trust Fund.