The "Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025" aims to establish a uniform standard for mail-in voting across the United States by removing restrictions and promoting accessibility for federal elections, while also setting guidelines for resolving signature discrepancies or missing information on mail-in ballots.
Andrea Salinas
Representative
OR-6
The "Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025" seeks to establish a uniform standard for mail-in voting across the United States by removing additional requirements for voting by mail in federal elections. It requires election officials to contact voters to resolve signature discrepancies or missing signatures on mail-in ballots, ensuring these ballots are counted if the issues are corrected promptly. This act aims to increase voter participation and convenience while maintaining the option for in-person voting. States must comply with these requirements for federal elections starting in 2026.
No More Excuses: New Bill Guarantees Mail-In Voting Option for All Federal Elections Starting 2026
The 'Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025' is shaking up how we vote in federal elections. Forget state-by-state differences—this bill sets a national standard, ensuring everyone has the option to vote by mail without jumping through hoops. (SEC. 2 & SEC. 3)
Voting By Mail Just Got Easier
This law is all about making voting more accessible. Right now, it's a mixed bag: 36 states plus D.C. already let anyone vote absentee without needing a 'good' reason, but others make it tough. This bill levels the playing field. It says states can't pile on extra requirements for mail-in voting in federal elections, other than setting reasonable deadlines for requesting and returning ballots (SEC. 3). Think of it this way: If you're registered to vote, you should be able to get a ballot in the mail, no questions asked.
Fixing Mistakes, Not Tossing Ballots
One of the biggest hassles with mail-in voting? Signature issues. Maybe your signature doesn't exactly match what's on file, or you forget to sign altogether. Currently, that could mean your ballot gets tossed. This bill changes that. If there's a problem with your signature, election officials have to try to reach you—by mail, phone, text, and email—within one business day (SEC. 3). You then get until three days after the state's ballot receipt deadline to fix it. Same goes for missing signatures or other minor defects. So, if you mess up, you get a chance to make it right.
Real-World Impact
Imagine you're a construction worker pulling 12-hour shifts, or a single parent juggling work and childcare. Getting to the polls on Election Day can be a logistical nightmare. This bill means you can vote from your kitchen table, on your own time. It's about convenience, yes, but it's also about making sure everyone's voice is heard, regardless of their schedule or circumstances. Plus, the bill specifically states that it doesn't eliminate in-person voting for those who prefer it. (SEC. 3).
The Bigger Picture & Potential Roadblocks
The bill acknowledges that forcing people to justify why they need to vote by mail is a privacy invasion (SEC. 2). It also points out that notary requirements are just extra cost and hassle without actually making things more secure. The goal here is to boost voter turnout, and the bill's findings cite evidence that mail-in voting can do just that (SEC. 2). While the bill aims to streamline things, it's worth noting that states could potentially challenge the federal government's power to dictate election rules. Also, the extended window for fixing ballot issues might mean slightly longer waits for final election results. These requirements will become effective for federal elections starting in 2026 (SEC. 3).