In committee
Make Elections Great Again Act
Starting in 2027, this bill requires Americans to present an approved government photo ID to vote in federal elections and provide official proof of U.S. citizenship, like a birth certificate or passport, when registering. It restricts mail-in voting by ending automatic ballot mailings, setting a 30-day advance request deadline, requiring mail ballots to arrive before polls close on election day, and limiting who can return ballots on another person's behalf. Additionally, the legislation bans ranked-choice voting in federal general elections, mandates voter-verifiable paper ballots, and requires states to perform monthly voter roll checks to remove ineligible names.
People affected—The bill applies broadly to all registered voters and applicants in federal elections across all U.S. states and territories, but does not state a specific numerical population in the text.
Fiscal magnitude—no CBO estimate published
Reach88provisional · pending reviewrigor: heuristic llm
What this bill touches.
Election rules−80Federal vs. state/local+70
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Registered voters who change residence within the same jurisdictionReceive the legal right to correct registration records and cast a ballot on election day upon presenting proof of new address if they move within the same precinct or jurisdiction (Sec. 113(d)-(e)).
- Private litigants enforcing voter registration requirementsAuthorized to file civil lawsuits in federal district court against states and election officials for registration or citizenship verification noncompliance, and may recover reasonable attorney's fees and litigation expenses if they prevail (Sec. 116(b)).
- Naturalized U.S. citizensDHS must promptly notify the chief election official of their state of residence upon naturalization to facilitate verification of their eligibility to register and vote (Sec. 119).
Who it burdens
- Voters in federal electionsMust present a valid physical photo ID to vote in person, provide a copy of a photo ID or partial Social Security number and affidavit to vote by mail, submit documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register, and submit individual written or electronic ballot requests at least 30 days before an election (Sec. 101, Sec. 112(c), Sec. 115, Sec. 214).
- State and local election officialsMust verify documentary proof of citizenship for all voter registrations, conduct monthly voter roll purges using federal and state databases, implement a centralized statewide voter database by 2027, establish paper-ballot voting systems, provide free copying access in public facilities, and adhere to strict ballot receipt and processing deadlines under penalty of losing federal election funds (Sec. 101(a)(1)(303A)(b), Sec. 112, Sec. 113, Sec. 114, Sec. 131, Sec. 211, Sec. 216).
- State motor vehicle authoritiesMust verify citizenship for driver's license applicants who register to vote, include a distinct citizenship indicator on REAL ID cards, and record out-of-state residency declarations to notify other states when drivers move (Sec. 112(f)(1), Sec. 122, Sec. 141).
- Federal executive branch employeesFace criminal fines and up to 5 years in prison for assisting noncitizens in attempting to register or vote in federal elections, or for registering applicants who fail to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (Sec. 112(f)(4)).
- Third-party ballot collectors and campaign workersFace criminal penalties including fines up to $25,000 and up to 5 years in prison for collecting more than 4 mail-in ballots or collecting ballots from non-family members for pay, and must provide photo ID and signed affidavits when returning ballots on behalf of others (Sec. 212).
Who backs it
- State and local governmentsRequired to finance and provide free public access to digital imaging devices (printers, scanners, and copiers) in public buildings such as libraries and police stations so voters can copy identification documents (Sec. 101(a)(1)(303A)(b)).
Who opposes it
- Unlawfully registered noncitizensSubject to mandatory list removal from voter rolls and directed Department of Homeland Security investigations for deportation or removal proceedings if discovered to be registered on federal voter rolls (Sec. 112(e)(3)(D), Sec. 113(g), Sec. 142).
- Ranked-choice voting systemsState election authorities are explicitly barred from utilizing ranked-choice voting, multi-candidate selection, or ballot reallocation mechanisms in federal general elections (Sec. 213).