This bill aims to protect the integrity of federal elections by enhancing protections for election records and equipment, establishing penalties for tampering, and ensuring judicial review and preventing intimidation of election workers.
Marc Veasey
Representative
TX-33
The "Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2025" aims to safeguard the integrity of federal elections by enhancing protections for election records, papers, and equipment, mandating that paper records of cast ballots remain the official record. It sets standards for retaining and preserving election materials, allows for the reuse of election equipment, and introduces penalties for reckless disregard that results in the theft, destruction, or alteration of election materials. The Act also enables judicial review for election records and prohibits intimidation of those involved in processing, scanning, tabulating, canvassing, or certifying voting results.
Bill Strengthens Election Security: Mandates Paper Ballot Records, Adds Penalties for Tampering, and Speeds Up Legal Challenges
This proposed law, the 'Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2025,' aims to bolster the security surrounding federal election processes. It focuses on safeguarding election records and equipment, clarifying rules, and increasing penalties for interference. Key changes include establishing the paper record of a cast ballot as the official one and setting guidelines for reusing election equipment.
Paper Trails and Protected Gear: What's Changing?
The bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1960 to put a spotlight on physical records and equipment security. Section 2 explicitly states that the paper record of a voter's ballot is the definitive official record. Think of it like keeping your paper receipt – it's the ultimate proof if questions arise later. This section also addresses the practical issue of reusing voting machines. Election equipment can be used in subsequent elections within a 22-month window, but only if all electronic records from the federal election are securely retained. To ensure this happens correctly, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) director is tasked with issuing guidance within a year on how to preserve these records and the equipment itself.
Holding Interference Accountable: New Penalties and Faster Courts
Several sections focus on deterring and punishing attempts to disrupt the election process. Section 2 introduces penalties for 'reckless disregard' that leads to the theft, destruction, or alteration of election materials, including equipment. This aims to hold individuals accountable even if intent isn't proven, though the practical application of 'reckless disregard' might require further clarification. Furthermore, Section 4 expands the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, making it explicitly illegal to intimidate or interfere with those involved in processing or scanning ballots, or tabulating, canvassing, or certifying results. If disputes over record access or preservation arise, Section 3 allows the Attorney General or a candidate to seek enforcement in federal court, requiring courts to handle these cases quickly.
The Bottom Line: Beefing Up Election Guardrails
Overall, this legislation seeks to create clearer rules and stronger protections for the nuts and bolts of federal elections. By prioritizing paper records, setting standards for equipment reuse, expanding penalties for interference (including during the counting and certification phases), and providing faster legal avenues for resolving record disputes, the bill aims to enhance the integrity and security of the voting process. It provides clearer guidelines for election officials and potentially increases voter confidence by strengthening safeguards around ballots and equipment.