Establishing the Select Committee on Electoral Reform.
H. Res. 20 would establish the Select Committee on Electoral Reform in the House of Representatives. The panel would be a temporary, non-legislative body charged with examining how Americans elect Members of Congress and exploring alternative electoral systems and related reforms (for example, proportional representation, multi-member districts, ranked-choice voting, open primaries, fusion voting, independent redistricting commissions, and changes to ballot design). It would also study federal barriers to state experimentation, notably the Uniform Congressional District Act which currently requires single-member districts. The committee would issue a final report with recommendations within one year of its first meeting and terminate 30 days after filing that report. It has limited subpoena authority and can use House staff and funding for interim work, but it cannot itself enact laws.
Key Points
- 1Establishment and leadership: Creates the 14-member Select Committee on Electoral Reform (7 appointed with minority leader consultation); co-chairs designated by the Speaker and the minority leader.
- 2Scope of study: Reviews current Congressional election methods and investigates alternatives (e.g., multi-member districts with proportional representation, changing House size, ranked-choice voting, cumulative voting, fusion voting, open primaries, independent redistricting commissions).
- 3Hearings and evidence: Authorized to hold hearings and collect testimony from political scientists, current/former Members of Congress, state/local officials that have adopted reforms, and officials from other countries using these methods.
- 4Federal barriers: Examines barriers to state experimentation, including references to the Uniform Congressional District Act (1967) which requires single-member districts.
- 5Timeframe and output: Must issue a final report with recommendations within one year after the first meeting; the committee terminates 30 days after filing the final report.