Bill Overview
Title: Enhanced Election Security and Protection Act
Description: This bill makes various changes related to federal elections. Among other elements, the bill (1) reauthorizes through FY2027 the Election Assistance Commission, (2) increases penalties related to crimes against federally protected voting activities, and (3) requires the U.S. Postal Service to take certain actions related to federal election mail.
Sponsors: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Target Audience
Population: People who participate in or are involved with federal elections worldwide
Estimated Size: 250000000
- The bill affects individuals involved in federal elections, including voters, and election officials.
- The increased penalties for crimes against voting activities could impact those who might be involved in such crimes as well as victims of those crimes.
- The reauthorization and actions required of the U.S. Postal Service affect federal election mail processing and delivery, impacting voters who use mail-in ballots.
- The Election Assistance Commission's role in elections suggests an impact on election-related infrastructure and security, which affects election officials and voters.
Reasoning
- The Enhanced Election Security and Protection Act specifically targets the voting-age population, many of whom participate in federal elections either as voters, election officials, or support staff.
- Given that the U.S. voting-age population is around 250 million and most are likely voters, this presents a massive pool of individuals potentially affected by any changes in election processes.
- The U.S. Postal Service's role in election mail is critical for mail-in ballots, thus, any policy impacting election mail will have pronounced effects on voters who rely on this method.
- While the policy affects a broad demographic, the depth of impact largely depends on individual involvement with elections. Voters who use mail-in ballots and election officials would likely see the most direct impacts.
- The budget constraints suggest that although the policy plans extensive changes, the implementation costs might cause varying degrees of impact over time, potentially differing across various states or electoral districts.
Simulated Interviews
mail-in voter (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy could improve the security of my vote. It's reassuring to know that there are steps being taken to protect mail-in voting, especially in today's world.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
election official (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This legislation gives me more tools to ensure fair elections and helps protect us officials from being targets of election crimes.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
full-time student (Des Moines, IA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Since I vote in person, the policy seems less relevant to me, but anything that could secure others' rights is beneficial overall.
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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
retired (Rural Michigan)
Age: 75 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope these changes make sure my ballot arrives safely and is counted. I've heard stories of things going wrong.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
barista (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving penalties for election crimes is good, but I worry more about access to voting in general.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
software developer (Austin, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced security measures are long overdue, especially for mail-in voting. It adds an extra layer of trust for voters like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
postal worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy puts more responsibility on the postal service which is good, but they need to provide us with adequate resources and support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
cybersecurity analyst (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policy that enhances election security is crucial with the current digital threats we face; it's a complex necessity.
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 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
retired teacher (Tampa, FL)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support anything that can protect my rights as a voter and ensure every vote is counted properly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
lawyer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stricter penalties and better support structures are essential, but they should be part of broader voting access reforms too.
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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 2: $620000000 (Low: $510000000, High: $730000000)
Year 3: $640000000 (Low: $520000000, High: $760000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The continuity and strengthening of the Election Assistance Commission's activities and infrastructure.
- The U.S. Postal Service's enhanced role in ensuring timely delivery of federal election mail impacts logistics and costs.
- Increased penalties imply modifications in the judicial and enforcement capabilities.