Bill Overview
Title: PAVA Inclusion Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) program grants to the protection and advocacy systems of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the American Indian consortium.
Sponsors: Rep. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ-7]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in the Northern Mariana Islands and American Indian consortium
Estimated Size: 7055000
- The PAVA Inclusion Act allows the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute grants for voting access advocacy.
- The bill specifically includes the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the American Indian consortium, impacting individuals in these groups.
- The target population includes citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands, who are U.S. citizens, and members of the American Indian consortium, who are also largely U.S. citizens.
- The population of the Northern Mariana Islands is approximately 55,000.
- There are 574 federally recognized American Indian tribes across the U.S., with varying populations. The total American Indian and Alaska Native population was approximately 7 million according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
- Not all American Indians and Alaska Natives are part of the consortium receiving these specific grants, but a significant portion could be impacted.
Reasoning
- A large portion of those impacted by this policy will likely be individuals living in the Northern Mariana Islands and members of the American Indian consortium.
- The policy provides funding to improve voting access, which could enhance political participation and rights advocacy.
- Most Americans will not be directly impacted by this policy, as it targets specific groups within the U.S. territories and populations.
- The policy's budget constraints mean it will influence only a subset of the 7 million American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
- Including diverse geographical and demographical backgrounds will help in understanding the reach and impact of the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Northern Mariana Islands)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy should ensure that everyone in our islands is able to participate in the election without barriers.
- It feels empowering to know that there will be more efforts to improve voting access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Student (Arizona)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Getting more support for voting access is really important.
- I hope this makes it easier for young people like me to vote without issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Community organizer (Northern Mariana Islands)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- PAVA Inclusion Act is a critical step for achieving voting equality here.
- The grants can aid our advocacy efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tribal elder (New Mexico)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having equal access to vote is something we've long needed.
- This act is promising, but implementation needs to be monitored closely.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Nurse (South Dakota)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's reassuring to know there are programs aiming to improve voting access.
- I wish such policies could also extend to healthcare improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Software developer (California)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I won't directly benefit, I support measures that ensure everyone has the right to vote.
- I hope this creates a ripple effect, encouraging more inclusive policies nationwide.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Shop owner (Northern Mariana Islands)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better voting access is a basic right that can lead to more government accountability.
- Seeing these amendments come to life gives me a slight hope for positive changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Freelance writer (Oregon)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy feels like a step in the right direction for indigenous voting rights.
- I hope this sets a precedent for future improvements across all states.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Rancher (Montana)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Voting rights are important, but I am not directly affected by this policy.
- I support the idea of making voting more accessible to those who need it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
Social worker (Northern Mariana Islands)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could bring more resources and awareness to our local communities about their voting rights.
- It is crucial for our voices to be heard in elections.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 2: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3500000)
Year 3: $3500000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4500000)
Year 5: $3500000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4500000)
Year 10: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Key Considerations
- Population Served: The Muslim community, including diverse sub-groups and geographically varied regions, is the primary focus.
- Funding Scope: Grants will be distributed annually and vary in size, which will affect total cost estimates.
- Administrative Costs: Initial administrative setup may be required to extend services to additional regions.
- Potential Societal Benefits: Although not directly cost-saving, increased voter advocacy and access can have broader societal and economic benefits.