Bill Overview
Title: Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022
Description: This bill revises the process of casting and counting electoral votes for presidential elections. The bill also revises provisions related to the presidential transition process. The bill specifies that the choice of electors must occur in accordance with the laws of the state enacted prior to election day. Additionally, the bill identifies each state's governor (unless otherwise identified in the laws or constitution of a state in effect on election day) as responsible for submitting the certificate of ascertainment identifying the state's electors. Further, the bill provides for expedited judicial review for any action brought by an aggrieved presidential or vice-presidential candidate arising under the U.S. Constitution or U.S. laws with respect to the issuance or transmission of such a certificate. The bill revises the framework for the joint session of Congress to count electoral votes and make a formal declaration of which candidates have been elected President and Vice President. Among other changes, the bill (1) specifies that the role of the Vice President during the joint session shall be ministerial in nature, and (2) raises the objection threshold in Congress to at least one-fifth of the duly chosen and sworn members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The bill also revises the presidential transition process, including to (1) allow more than one candidate to receive federal transition resources under certain circumstances, and (2) require additional reporting by the General Services Administration.
Sponsors: Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals impacted by changes to the U.S. presidential election and transition processes
Estimated Size: 331000000
- This bill impacts the process of electing the President and Vice President in the United States, a process integral to American governance.
- The bill has provisions revising how electoral votes are cast and counted, which directly affects the democratic process at a federal level.
- The process for counting electoral votes impacts every voter who participates in the presidential election.
- Citizens who engage in the electoral process, lawmakers, electors, and officials involved in elections are directly impacted by the changes this bill makes.
- The bill includes provisions related to the presidential transition process, which affects both the outgoing and incoming presidential administrations.
Reasoning
- The policy concerns the electoral process, which indirectly impacts almost all U.S. citizens as presidential elections are a key component of American democracy.
- Direct stakeholders include voters, government officials, election workers, and those involved in presidential transitions, therefore the policy's impact varies across different groups.
- Given the nature of the policy, the direct measurable impact may focus more on feelings regarding the democratic process and trust in electoral outcomes.
- The $50 million initial budget suggests focused educational outreach to targeted groups, potential legal consultations, and infrastructure adjustments which would not affect daily life immediately.
- Given this context, most citizens will likely see limited direct changes to their personal well-being scores due to the nature and scope of this policy.
Simulated Interviews
State Election Official (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reform provides clarity and strengthens the integrity of the electoral process, which is vital for democracy.
- I'm hopeful that these changes will help minimize disputes and confusion in future elections.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software Developer (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I like knowing that the presidential transition will have more oversight and clarity.
- It seems like this reform will make elections fairer and reduce the confusion on election night.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (Columbus, Ohio)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These reforms could help prevent issues like we saw in the last few elections.
- I'm hopeful that this will make transitions and voting processes smoother.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Political Science Student (Austin, Texas)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a student of political science, these reforms are fascinating and necessary.
- Improving how our elections run is crucial, and I think this will help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Farmer (Rural Kansas)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure how much this will change my life day-to-day.
- I hope it helps with keeping elections honest.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Congressional Staffer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being deeply involved, I think these reforms are crucial for our electoral integrity.
- I'm optimistic that this will prevent electoral chaos we've seen in recent years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Non-profit Worker (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These changes could really help with voter confidence and turnout.
- I'm encouraged by efforts to streamline and protect the election process.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Teacher (Miami, Florida)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These reforms could be positive, ensuring a smoother presidential transition and legislative process.
- I care deeply that my vote counts accurately and without issue.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Lawyer (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is a step in the right direction for minimizing election-related disputes.
- It's crucial for maintaining legal clarity during transitions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Journalist (Brooklyn, New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reporting on expected changes could require more clarity in news coverage but the effects should be positive.
- It might help bring more trust to the electoral process if implemented well.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $51000000 (Low: $30500000, High: $71500000)
Year 3: $52020000 (Low: $31000000, High: $73000000)
Year 5: $54100800 (Low: $32200000, High: $75900000)
Year 10: $59240880 (Low: $35210000, High: $83090000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The bill's effects are primarily procedural, aimed at ensuring orderly electoral and presidential transitions.
- Potential costs are mainly related to judicial reviews, transition resources, and administrative reporting.
- Indirect long-term stability benefits are possible, though these are not immediately quantifiable.