HCONRES 28119th CongressIn Committee

Expressing the sense of Congress that the votes of overseas servicemembers must be counted and honored as required under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

Introduced: Apr 14, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H. Con. Res. 28 is a non-binding concurrent resolution in the 119th Congress expressing the sense of Congress that votes cast by overseas servicemembers and overseas citizens under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) must be counted and honored. It reinforces federal protections for these voters, urges states and election authorities to comply with UOCAVA by processing and counting ballots promptly and according to law, and asks the Attorney General to monitor compliance and address violations. Because it is a resolution, it does not create new legal obligations or penalties, but it signals congressional commitment to enforcing and upholding UOCAVA protections.

Key Points

1The votes of uniformed servicemembers and overseas citizens submitted under UOCAVA must be fully counted and honored in all elections (federal, state, and local).
2States, territories, and election authorities must uphold their UOCAVA obligations by ensuring legally submitted absentee ballots are not rejected in violation of federal law or due process.
3Disenfranchisement due to administrative errors, procedural delays, or undue restrictions is deemed unacceptable.
4The resolution reaffirms Congress’s commitment to enforcing UOCAVA and ensuring eligible voters can exercise their rights without undue burden.
5The Attorney General is urged to monitor compliance with UOCAVA, take prompt action to address violations, and protect the voting rights of uniformed servicemembers and overseas citizens.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: overseas servicemembers and overseas citizens who vote via absentee ballots; the states and territories administering elections under UOCAVA.Secondary group/area affected: election officials and agencies responsible for processing absentee ballots; the Department of Justice (Attorney General) for enforcement actions.Additional impacts: reinforces trust in the electoral process among military and expatriate communities; signals congressional support for timely and accurate ballot processing, which may influence state practices and DOJ oversight or guidance.

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