Bill Overview
Title: Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act
Description: This bill 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. The bill also requires federal agencies to delay carrying out certain activities pursuant to Executive Order 14019 (which established requirements for expanding access to voter registration and election information) until various conditions are met, such as the agency submitting reports to Congress.
Sponsors: Rep. Budd, Ted [R-NC-13]
Target Audience
Population: Eligible voters relying on NGO voter registration assistance worldwide
Estimated Size: 5000000
- The bill primarily affects the operations of federal agencies by prohibiting them from using funds for activities related to voter registration or mobilization with NGOs on federal property.
- This could indirectly affect individuals who rely on these organizations for voter registration assistance, particularly in areas where access to voting information is limited.
- Executive Order 14019 was aimed at expanding access to voting, so delaying its implementation could impact those it was intended to help, such as individuals in rural or underserved communities.
- The bill targets electoral processes, affecting all eligible voters by potentially limiting outreach and voter registration initiatives.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts those who benefit from NGO-facilitated voter registration activities. These groups include marginalized communities, rural populations, and individuals in areas with limited access to voting information or infrastructure.
- The limitation on federal agency involvement may delay or suspend voter registration campaigns coordinated through NGOs, potentially reducing the effectiveness of outreach to underserved populations.
- Beneficiary perceptions of voter accessibility and empowerment may decrease due to fewer opportunities for guided registration and mobilization efforts, affecting their overall wellbeing.
- Some individuals, particularly those who are already active and informed voters, may not experience any direct impact from this policy and thus show minimal changes in wellbeing scores.
- In urban areas with robust voter registration infrastructure independent of federal agency involvement, impacts are likely less pronounced compared to rural or underserved areas.
Simulated Interviews
Community Organizer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step backward for voter participation.
- Our NGO relies on partnerships with federal agencies to reach marginalized communities.
- Without these resources, it will be a challenge to maintain our current level of outreach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Farmer (Rural Pennsylvania)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I depend on voter registration drives to stay informed.
- The policy might make it harder for me and others in my area to register to vote.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Tech Consultant (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure how this policy will affect me directly.
- I usually handle my own voter registration online without issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Retired Educator (Austin, TX)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Concerned about barriers to voter registration for new voters.
- Our volunteer group heavily relies on partnerships with federal agencies to distribute information.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
College Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 21 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a first-time voter, access to voter registration info is crucial.
- Policy changes might make it harder for students like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Fosters the importance of civic engagement among students.
- Concerned about federal restrictions impacting voter education outreach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
NGO Director (Miami, FL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could restrict our operational efficiency significantly.
- Federal property is often used for our registration events.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Freelancer (Detroit, MI)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Public events are crucial for updating my voter information.
- Concerned about reduced access to registration resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Small Business Owner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- NGO involvement in corporate voter registration drives is essential.
- Policy could complicate these initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Bartender (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The restriction on funds for NGO collaborations is concerning.
- Policy might lower the community's voter turnouts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000 (Low: $200000, High: $400000)
Year 2: $300000 (Low: $200000, High: $400000)
Year 3: $300000 (Low: $200000, High: $400000)
Year 5: $300000 (Low: $200000, High: $400000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The bill limits federal agency expenditure on agreements with NGOs for voter activities, directly impacting their operational strategies.
- Reporting requirements may add administrative burdens, albeit minor, to federal agencies.
- Potential impacts on voter registration efforts could influence electoral participation, especially in underserved areas.