HR-4494 : Still Just a Bill

Ensuring Faith in Our Elections Act

This bill addresses the administration of elections.

Specifically, the bill directs the Standards Board of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to release voluntary considerations from states with respect to the administration of federal elections.

The bill establishes additional requirements related to noncitizens and voting. For example, the bill (1) requires states to make reasonable efforts to remove noncitizens from the official eligible voter lists, and (2) reduces election assistance payments to states and local jurisdictions that allow noncitizens to vote.

Additionally, the bill

• requires states to provide designated congressional election observers with full access to observe the administration procedures of federal elections;
• excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, certain compensation of election workers;
• establishes certain requirements related to election mail;
• prohibits federal agencies from using funds made available for salaries and expenses to solicit or enter into agreements with nongovernmental organizations to conduct voter registration or voter mobilization activities on the agency's property or website;  
• prohibits federal funds for election administration for states that allow ballot harvesting, with exceptions;
• establishes various requirements for elections in the District of Columbia;
• makes various changes to the EAC; and
• prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions or donations in connection with state or local ballot initiatives or referenda.

The bill also establishes the Twentieth Amendment Section Four Panel, which must recommend to Congress model legislation to resolve any vacancy created by the death of a candidate in a contingent presidential or vice-presidential election.