Original Students Voicing Opinions in Today’s Elections (VOTE) Act
The Original Students Voicing Opinions in Today’s Elections (VOTE) Act would direct the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to run a one-year pilot program in fiscal year 2025. Under the program, the EAC would provide funds to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) to carry out initiatives that give 12th-grade students information on voter registration. LEAs must apply with a plan, cost estimates, and assurances, and must consult with state/local election officials when designing the initiatives. The bill requires recipient LEAs to report back within 90 days of receiving funds, and the EAC to provide a Congress-facing report within 60 days after receiving the final local report. Funding is authorized as necessary, with no explicit dollar cap, meaning the program would be funded through future appropriations. In short, the bill aims to embed voter registration information into the experiences of high school seniors by funneling federal funds through school systems, while ensuring oversight through required reporting and coordination with election officials.
Key Points
- 1Pilot program: The EAC must run a FY2025 pilot to provide funds to LEAs to deliver voter registration information to 12th-grade students.
- 2Eligibility and application: LEAs must submit an application describing planned initiatives, cost estimates, and other required assurances to receive funds.
- 3Consultation with election officials: LEAs receiving funds must consult with State and local election officials in developing their initiatives.
- 4Reporting requirements: Recipients must report within 90 days of funds receipt; the EAC must report to Congress within 60 days after receiving the final recipient report.
- 5Funding authorization: The Act authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry it out, implying future appropriations rather than a fixed statutory amount.