Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025
H.R. 738, the Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025, would amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to grant all eligible voters the right to vote by mail in federal elections nationwide. The core idea is to remove state-level barriers to voting by mail by prohibiting additional eligibility restrictions beyond the standard deadlines for requesting and returning ballots. The bill also creates a defined “cure” process for common mail-ballot problems, requiring timely notice to voters about signature discrepancies or missing/defective ballots and providing a short window (three days after each state's ballot-deadline) for voters to fix issues so their ballots can still be counted. The measure is slated to take effect with federal elections held in 2026 and would adjust enforcement provisions accordingly. In short, the bill aims to standardize and expand access to mail voting for federal races, while establishing a structured process to address ballot issues so more ballots can be counted without compromising ballot integrity.
Key Points
- 1General right to vote by mail for federal elections: States may not impose extra conditions on eligibility to vote by mail beyond deadlines for requesting the ballot and returning it, ensuring broader access to mail voting for all eligible voters.
- 2Discrepancy cure for signatures: If a ballot’s signature disagrees with the voter’s official record, election officials must notify the voter promptly (as soon as possible, but no later than the next business day) and inform them that the ballot may be discarded if not cured within three days after the state’s ballot-deadline; the voter can cure the discrepancy in person, by phone, or by electronic means to have the ballot counted.
- 3Cure for missing or defective signatures: If a ballot lacks a signature or has another defect that would prevent counting, officials must promptly notify the voter (within the next business day) and inform them of the cure window (three days after the deadline); the ballot can be counted if the missing signature or other defect is cured within that window using prescribed methods.
- 4Rule of construction and flexibility: The bill does not eliminate the option to vote at polling places on Election Day; it simply adds a nationwide right to vote by mail for federal elections and cure mechanics for mail ballots.
- 5Effective date and related changes: The requirements would apply to federal elections beginning in 2026. The bill also updates enforcement language and the table of contents to reflect the new section (Sec. 303A) and integrates it into the enforcement framework of HAVA.