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Legislative bills

Rep. Crockett and Rep. Williams Introduce Legislation to Combat Long Lines and Voter Suppression

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the US marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) and Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-6) have introduced two critical pieces of legislation to protect and expand access to the ballot. The SWIFT VOTE Act and the POLL Act aim to address the persistent and discriminatory forms of modern-day voter suppression, particularly unacceptably long wait times at polling places.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SWIFT VOTE Act establishes a $120 million federal grant program to help states procure or maintain electronic poll books, collect and share real-time wait time data, and train election officials on using this technology.
  • The POLL Act requires states to develop and publish plans to keep voter wait times under 30 minutes, use emergency ballots when voting equipment fails, and provide recourse for voters forced to wait in long lines.
  • Under the POLL Act, voters could receive $50 for waiting longer than 30 minutes, with additional compensation for each hour of delay, and civil penalties for intentional or reckless delays.
  • Rep. Crockett emphasizes that "long wait times are not an accident, they are a tactic" used to disenfranchise voters, particularly in Black and brown communities.
  • The legislation builds on the legacy of the Voting Rights Act by addressing real barriers voters face today and is part of a broader push to ensure democracy is protected in practice.
  • Rep. Nikema Williams highlights the urgent need for comprehensive national standards to protect voting rights in the face of Jim Crow 2.0 and intentionally racist gerrymandering.

Statistics:

  • $120 million federal grant program established under the SWIFT VOTE Act to help states improve voting systems and reduce wait times.
  • 30-minute wait time limit set under the POLL Act to ensure voting is processed efficiently and fairly.
  • $50 compensation for voters waiting longer than 30 minutes, with additional compensation for each hour of delay.
  • Civil penalties for intentional or reckless delays in voting, with increased fines for such cases.

Sources:

  • Rep. Jasmine Crockett's official press release: https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crockett-and-rep-williams-mark-60th-anniversary-voting-rights-act (link is external)
  • Full text of the SWIFT VOTE Act: https://link to the full text of the bill) (link is external)
  • Full text of the POLL Act: https://link to the full text of the bill) (link is external)
  • Rep. Jasmine Crockett's official website: https://crockett.house.gov/

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