Creates a Constitutional Right to Vote
SJRES186-119 · Introduced Apr 27, 2026
Why it matters
People barred from voting after a felony in some states could vote again if this passes. It would also limit how all levels of government can restrict voting.
What it does
- Guarantees every citizen of voting age the right to vote in any public election where they live
- Bars the U.S. government, states, and local areas from denying or limiting that right without a compelling reason
- Repeals the part of the Fourteenth Amendment that lets states deny votes over crime
In committee
Next: a committee vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Senatenot yet
- Housenot yet
- Presidentnot yet
About this bill
Would guarantee voting-age citizens the right to vote in public elections where they live. Denials would be allowed only for a compelling interest, using the least restrictive means.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the fundamental right to vote.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Voting rights groups would likely say voting is a basic right that no government should deny. They would back ending felony-based voting bans.
💬 The case against
Some state officials would likely say states should set their own voting rules. They may also argue the crime exception protects public safety.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this federal bill are at the source link.
News
Loading coverage…