HR 2694119th CongressIn Committee

Election Results Accountability Act

Introduced: Apr 7, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

Election Results Accountability Act would add firm timing rules to federal elections under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Introduced in the House on April 7, 2025, the bill requires states to meet two deadlines after polls close: (1) within 72 hours, count at least 90% of ballots and publicly publish the result; (2) within two weeks, complete counting all ballots and officially certify the election results and publish them. The deadlines apply to elections for federal office and are designed to speed up final results and public disclosure. The bill provides exceptions for emergencies (disasters, public health crises, cyber threats), technical difficulties, the rollout of new procedures (limited to the first election after adoption), and recounts, subject to certification by both the Election Assistance Commission and the Attorney General. If a state is found not in compliance, federal election administration funds can be withheld for subsequent elections until the state submits and implements a compliance plan and achieves certification of compliance. The act would take effect for elections held after a 90-day period following enactment.

Key Points

1Establishes two deadlines under HAVA for federal elections:
2- Counting: no later than 72 hours after polls close, state must count at least 90% of ballots and publicly publish results.
3- Certification: no later than 2 weeks after polls close, state must complete counting all ballots and officially certify results and publish them.
4Exceptions to noncompliance:
5- bona fide emergencies (major disaster, significant public health emergency, cyberattack or security threat),
6- technical difficulties (equipment/software malfunctions or unanticipated tabulation/transmission errors),
7- implementation of new election procedures (first election after new procedures/reforms),
8- conducting a recount.
9Funding consequence: If both the Commission and the Attorney General certify noncompliance, the state may not receive federal election administration funds for subsequent elections unless it submits a compliance plan and both agencies certify that the state has taken steps to comply.
10Legislative housekeeping: Amends the enforcement provisions and table of contents of HAVA as needed to accommodate the new section.
11Effective date: Applies to elections held after the 90-day period following enactment.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: State election officials and administrators who run and certify federal elections; ultimately affects vendors and jurisdictions that process ballots and certify results.Secondary group/area affected: Federal Election Administration (Election Assistance Commission and Attorney General) responsible for overseeing compliance and enforcing funding conditions.Additional impacts:- Public reporting: Accelerated disclosure of results may influence media reporting and voter perception, especially in tight races.- Compliance burden: States may need to adjust processes, staffing, and IT systems to meet the 72-hour counting target and 2-week certification window, potentially impacting resources and timelines for audits and recounts.- Funding leverage: The threat of withholding funds creates a strong incentive for states to meet deadlines, potentially affecting budgeting and planning for future elections.

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