Synopsis:

Update (3/8/19): H.R. 1 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 234–193 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

H.R. 1 is a sweeping bill which seeks to reform voting accessibility, campaign finance and government ethics. Introduced by Democrats in the House of Representatives, it contains a section specifically aimed at increasing people with disabilities’ access to the ballot box. It would mandate that states provide voter registration forms and absentee ballots by mail and online and that states create an office responsible for educating voters with disabilities on registration and balloting. In addition, it would provide grants to states for pilot programs on voting from personal residences and designing accessible voting machines. H.R. 1 would also mandate additional training for poll workers, advance notice of polling place closures, automatic voter registration and postage-free mail-in ballots. As a federal bill, it would standardize U.S. election practices, which are currently set primarily by states and municipalities.

Supporters:

Reps. Sarbanes (D-Md.), Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cummings (D-Md.), Lewis (D-Ga.), Pelosi (D-Calif.) et al.; Sens. Udall (D-N.M.), Carper (D-Del.), Coons (D-Del.); ACLU, Brennan Center for Justice, Center for American Progress, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Common Cause, Indivisible, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, League of Women Voters, MoveOn Civic Action, NAACP, National LGBTQ Task Force, Third Way.

Opponents:

Sen. McConnell (R-Ky.); Citizens United, Civitas Institute, Club for Growth, Conservative Action Project, Family Research Council, FreedomWorks, Goldwater Institute, Gun Owners of America, Heritage Foundation, Hispanic Leadership Fund, Judicial Watch, Inc., March for Life Action, National Association of Businesses, Susan B. Anthony List, Tea Party Patriots Action.

Links to Additional Resources: