H.R. 738: Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to establish that all eligible voters have the right to vote by mail in federal elections. Below are the key components of the bill:

Findings

The bill begins with several findings highlighting the current voting landscape in the United States:

• There is an unequal right to vote by mail, as some states allow it universally while others do not.
• Many voters face difficulties in reaching polling places on election day due to various commitments.
• 36 states and the District of Columbia allow universal absentee voting, which has proven to be effective.
• Voting by mail typically provides more time for voters to consider their choices, which is increasingly important as ballots become more complex.
• It is believed that allowing mail-in voting can boost overall voter participation.
• More options for voting by mail can help reduce long lines and wait times at polling places.
• Many voters prefer mail-in voting as a reliable option to ensure they can cast their votes.
• There is no greater evidence of fraud occurring with absentee ballots compared to other voting methods.
• State requirements for voters to justify mail-in voting can infringe on personal privacy.
• Requirements such as notary signatures for mail-in ballots can impose unnecessary burdens on voters.

Provisions of the Bill

The following provisions will be included in the amended Act:

Voting by Mail

States cannot impose additional requirements on mail-in voting beyond deadlines for requesting and returning ballots. If someone is eligible to vote, they must be able to vote by mail without further conditions.

Signature Discrepancy and Defects

The bill establishes a process for handling issues with submitted mail-in ballots:

• If there is a signature discrepancy, election officials must notify the voter promptly and allow them to address the issue within a specified timeframe.
• If a ballot is submitted without a signature or has other defects, officials again must notify the voter quickly and provide an opportunity to correct the issue before the ballot is disqualified.

State Authority

While the bill promotes mail-in voting, it does not affect a state's authority to conduct in-person voting on election day.

Implementation Timeline

The requirements imposed by this bill are set to take effect for federal elections starting in 2026.

Relevant Companies

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