Understanding HR7300: Make Elections Great Again Act

The Make Elections Great Again Act introduces several key changes to how federal elections are conducted. One of the main provisions is the requirement for voters to show a photo ID when voting in person. If voting by mail, voters must include a copy of their photo ID or another form of documentary proof. This aims to make sure that each vote is legitimate and cast by an eligible voter. Another significant change is the requirement for proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. This means that individuals will need to provide documents like a passport or birth certificate to prove they are citizens. States will be responsible for updating their registration forms and notifying residents about this new requirement. The bill also focuses on maintaining accurate voter rolls. It requires states to regularly update their voter registration lists by cross-checking data with federal agencies like the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. This is intended to remove ineligible voters, such as non-citizens and deceased individuals, from the rolls. Additionally, the bill directs the Election Assistance Commission to coordinate with state officials to issue regulations for mail voting and voter registration cleanup. These measures are designed to create a more uniform election process across all states.

The Make Elections Great Again Act could have a significant impact on how elections are conducted in the United States. For some, the bill represents a step toward ensuring that elections are secure and that only eligible voters can participate. This could increase public confidence in the electoral process, especially among those who have expressed concerns about election integrity in recent years. However, the bill could also affect certain groups of voters. For example, individuals who do not currently have a photo ID or who may have difficulty obtaining one, such as low-income or elderly voters, might find it harder to vote. Additionally, the requirement for proof of citizenship could pose challenges for some naturalized citizens who may not have easy access to the necessary documents.

- Prevents Non-Citizen Voting: By requiring proof of citizenship, the bill aims to ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote. - Reduces Voter Fraud Risk: Photo ID requirements are seen as a way to prevent fraudulent voting. - Ensures Accurate Voter Rolls: Regular maintenance of voter rolls helps remove ineligible voters, increasing trust in the electoral process. - Standardizes Federal Elections: Uniform rules across states can prevent discrepancies and disputes. - Boosts Voter Confidence: Supporters believe that these measures will increase public trust in election outcomes.

- Suppresses Voter Turnout: Critics argue that ID requirements can disproportionately affect low-income and minority voters who may not have easy access to identification. - Disenfranchises Legitimate Voters: Some worry that the bill could lead to eligible voters being mistakenly removed from voter rolls. - Imposes Federal Overreach: Opponents believe the bill infringes on states' rights to control their own election processes. - High Administrative Costs: Implementing these changes could be costly for states. - No Proven Fraud Epidemic: Critics argue that the measures address a problem that is not widespread.