NE Dallas News

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), a former voting rights attorney, led the introduction of the Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2023. This bill would strengthen our democracy by establishing greater safeguards against potential election subversion efforts. It would ensure elections and vote counting are performed fairly, transparently and without partisan influence. The bill expands existing protections against election interference to include the vote counting and certification process and creates stronger standards for preserving election records.

The Senate version of the legislation was led by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). The House bill is also co-led by Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-03), Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-07).

“The outcomes of our elections should never be subject to subversion, interference, or the whims of partisan politicians,” said Allred. “That’s why we must do all we can to protect free and fair elections in our nation. Our democracy is resilient, but it has never been more at risk. Which is why I am proud to introduce this legislation to strengthen and protect our elections alongside Senator Klobuchar.” 

The legislation is supported by the Campaign Legal Center, Protect Democracy, Common Cause, End Citizens United/Let America Vote Action Fund, Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Transparency International U.S., American Federation of Teachers, and Pax Christi USA.

Background:

While protections exist for voters, additional protections are needed for workers and volunteers responsible for processing, counting, and certifying ballots. Additionally, ensuring the preservation and integrity of our election records is paramount to instilling trust in election results. 

The Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2023 would:

•    Expand protections for election administrators by extending existing prohibitions on intimidating or threatening voters to include election officials engaged in the counting of ballots, canvassing, and certifying election results. It is currently a federal crime to interfere with the voting process, and this would make clear that the criminal penalty extends to the counting and certifying process as well.

•    Strengthen protections for Federal election records and election infrastructure to stop election officials or others from endangering the preservation and security of cast ballots.

•    Provide judicial review for election records by allowing the Justice Department and candidates to bring lawsuits to ensure compliance with election record requirements. 

Original source can be found here.