Congressional Observers: Full Access to Federal Election Administration Procedures
This Act confirms and strengthens the right of Congress to send designated observers who must be granted full access to all stages of federal election administration, including vote counting and voter registration. While it does not establish new authorities, it formalizes existing practice, increasing transparency for Congress. For citizens, this means an additional layer of oversight on the integrity of federal elections, without affecting their personal voting rights.
Key points
Full Access for Congressional Observers: Designated observers must be provided full access to polling places, ballot processing and tabulation facilities, and voter registration activities.
No Interference Allowed: Observers are strictly prohibited from handling ballots or election equipment, advocating for candidates, or interfering with the election process or ballot secrecy.
Codifying Existing Authority: The Act formally incorporates these requirements into the Help America Vote Act of 2002, based on Congress's constitutional power to judge the elections of its own members.
Increased Transparency: The goal is to allow Congress to develop its own factual record in preparation for potential election contests.
Expired
Citizen Poll