Bill Overview
Title: Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access Program 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: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals with disabilities in CNMI and American Indian consortium areas
Estimated Size: 600000
- The bill focuses on the Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) program, which implies it is aimed at supporting voting access and rights.
- PAVA programs typically target individuals with disabilities to ensure their right to vote is protected and advocated for.
- The bill specifically mentions the protection and advocacy systems of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the American Indian consortium, suggesting it is aimed at these communities.
- The Northern Mariana Islands have a small population, but the exact number of people with disabilities who would benefit from the advocacy services may not be as readily available.
- The American Indian consortium serves multiple tribes, which can vary widely in population size, and the number of individuals with disabilities would need to be considered.
Reasoning
- The PAVA Program Inclusion Act is designed to support individuals with disabilities, particularly in the Northern Mariana Islands and among the American Indian communities, to access voting.
- We need to consider the diversity within these groups, as their needs and current access to voting could significantly vary.
- While the population directly impacted may be small compared to the whole U.S. population, this policy is targeted and could significantly benefit those it reaches.
- Given the budget constraint, the implementation will likely focus on immediate impact in terms of advocacy and access improvements, possibly leading to long-term betterment in civil rights and participation.
Simulated Interviews
Community Advocate (Navajo Nation, Arizona)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this policy as a vital step towards ensuring that all voices in our community are heard.
- Access to voting should be a right, and the resources are much needed here.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Teacher (Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could bring much-needed support to our islands, making sure everyone can vote regardless of their physical abilities.
- I expect an improvement in our community's participation in elections.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's good they are finally recognizing the need for better voting support in marginalized communities.
- For elders like me, these resources mean we can be more active in decision-making.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Policy Analyst (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is essential for creating equal voting conditions across the board.
- I'm hopeful it will empower indigenous communities which are often sidelined.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Social Worker (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic that this policy will bridge gaps in voting accessibility we've long struggled with.
- Support for advocacy in these areas is much needed.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired Fisherman (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need more programs like this to support our basic rights.
- I hope this funding finally makes its way to the right places.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Student (Juneau, Alaska)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will be a game-changer for our communities, especially for young voters.
- It shows that our voices matter in the grand political landscape.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Business Owner (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is certainly a positive move to enhance our communities’ civic engagement.
- Access to voting is crucial, and this can definitely aid in uplifting native voices.
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 | 8 | 7 |
Artist (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act addresses essential voting barriers we face here.
- I believe it represents a commitment to equitable access to democracy.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Software Developer (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I'm not in the direct target group, I see the broader impact this can have on promoting inclusive voting practices.
- It's a step forward for accessibility rights.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $750000 (Low: $500000, High: $1000000)
Year 2: $600000 (Low: $400000, High: $800000)
Year 3: $600000 (Low: $400000, High: $800000)
Year 5: $600000 (Low: $400000, High: $800000)
Year 10: $600000 (Low: $400000, High: $800000)
Year 100: $600000 (Low: $400000, High: $800000)
Key Considerations
- The scope and effectiveness of the advocacy programs in reaching the populations in these remote areas can vary significantly, affecting cost.
- Engagement and cooperation levels between the federal government and local tribal governments or organizations may influence the financial and operational effectiveness.
- The demographic and geographic diversity of the target populations suggests different logistic and administrative needs.