US Federal House Bill HB529

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25

Caption

Restoring American Confidence in Elections Act or the RACE ActThis bill establishes deadlines for states to count ballots and certify results in federal elections. Specifically, the bill requires a state to finish counting the ballots cast in a federal election held in the state not later than 10:00 p.m. on the date of the election. Further, the state must certify the election results not later than 48 hours after the election. The bill provides exceptions to these deadlines for bona fide emergencies (e.g., major disasters) or technical difficulties (e.g., malfunctioning election equipment or software).

Impact

The proposed amendments will significantly affect state election procedures by enforcing uniform deadlines across the nation. Proponents argue that these changes will minimize delays in ballot counting and certification, addressing concerns about election integrity and potential disputes following elections. By mandating prompt reporting of results, the bill aspires to create a more reliable electoral process that upholds the democratic principle of accountability.

Summary

House Bill 529, titled the 'Restoring American Confidence in Elections Act' (RACE Act), seeks to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by establishing specific deadlines for states to count ballots and certify results for federal elections. The bill mandates that states complete the counting of ballots by 10 p.m. on election day and certify results within 48 hours post-election. This legislative initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the electoral process, thereby restoring public confidence in electoral outcomes.

Contention

Notably, there are some areas of contention regarding HB 529. Critics may raise concerns regarding the feasibility of meeting these stringent deadlines, especially in states that have faced challenges with resource limitations or technical issues during past elections. Additionally, the bill’s exceptions for emergencies or technical difficulties could lead to potential exploitation or inconsistencies in how states handle unforeseen problems, prompting debates about state autonomy versus federal oversight in electoral processes. As such, while the bill seeks to streamline election management, it may also reignite discussions about the balance of power in election administration.

Congress_id

119-HR-529

Policy_area

Government Operations and Politics

Introduced_date

2025-01-16