H.R. 2803 updates federal rules for keeping election records and equipment
Officially: Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2025
The bill makes clear that federal election record-keeping rules cover electronic records and election equipment, and it sets preservation and enforcement rules around them. It also strengthens penalties for mishandling records and expands federal protections against interference with ballot counting and certification work.
Where it stands
Sitting in the Judiciary
No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.
- Makes it explicit that federal election record-keeping rules cover digital election records and election equipment, not just paper files.
- Treats the voter’s paper ballot record as the official ballot record for this law’s purposes.
- Requires keeping federal-election equipment preserved for 22 months, but still lets it be used again if all federal-election electronic data from that equipment is kept.
↓ Why your message matters here
This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.
The debate
What people are saying about this bill
- Prevents illegal non-citizen voting: Ensures that only U.S. citizens can register and vote, protecting the integrity of the election process.
- Prioritizes enforcement in uncooperative states: Directs the DOJ to focus on states that do not comply with federal election laws, ensuring nationwide adherence to voting regulations.
- Blocks foreign interference: Closes loopholes that allow foreign nationals to influence U.S. elections, safeguarding the democratic process.
- Criminalizes voting assistance: Shifts focus from civil rights to criminal enforcement, potentially targeting election workers and voter groups.
- Chills voter turnout: Creates fear of prosecution, which could discourage participation, especially among marginalized communities.
- Undermines state/local control: Imposes federal oversight that some argue violates the Constitution's allocation of election rule-making to states.
Where this bill is in the process
Legislative timeline
Introduced
Introduced in House
House Committee
Under House committee consideration
Latest: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (4/9/2025)
House Floor Vote
Voted on by House
Passed House
Approved by House
Senate Review
Sent to Senate for consideration
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
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