Mail Ballot Integrity Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
- Committees
- Committee on House Administration (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 9, 2026
Bottom line
This bill seeks to standardize federal election mail-in voting procedures by restricting unsolicited ballots and limiting eligibility to specific circumstances, aiming to enhance election security at the potential cost of voter access.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits states from distributing unsolicited ballots for voting by mail in any election for Federal office. It establishes strict, limited eligibility criteria for individuals to request a mail-in ballot, requiring a written or electronic request with an affirmation under penalty of perjury. Furthermore, it prevents states from maintaining permanent or automatic mail-in lists for voters who do not continuously meet these federal eligibility criteria.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue this bill is essential for restoring confidence in election integrity by preventing potential fraud associated with mass unsolicited mailings and ensuring that mail-in ballots are only used by those with a legitimate need. They contend it streamlines the process, reduces administrative burdens related to managing large volumes of ballots, and safeguards against potential vulnerabilities in the election system.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that this bill would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters by imposing overly restrictive requirements for mail-in voting, disproportionately affecting seniors, students, and individuals with disabilities. They argue it creates unnecessary barriers to voting, reduces turnout, and undermines efforts to make voting more accessible, potentially leading to lower participation rates in federal elections.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition on Unsolicited Mail-In Ballots
This provision explicitly forbids any state or local government from automatically sending out ballots for federal elections to individuals who have not specifically requested one. This means voters would no longer receive a ballot in the mail unless they actively apply for it, changing practices in states that currently send ballots to all registered voters.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this prevents ballots from being sent to outdated addresses or ineligible voters, reducing opportunities for fraud and enhancing election security.
Critics contend
Critics argue this creates an unnecessary barrier to voting, particularly for busy individuals or those who prefer the convenience of automatic mail-in ballots, potentially leading to lower voter turnout.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances election security concerns against voter access and convenience, requiring voters to take an active step to receive a ballot.
Section 2(b)(1)
Mandatory Request and Affirmation for Mail-In Ballots
This section mandates that any individual seeking to vote by mail in a federal election must submit a written or electronic request for a ballot. This request must include an affirmation, made under penalty of perjury, that the individual meets one or more of the specific eligibility criteria outlined in the bill, adding a legal layer to the request process.
Section 2(b)(2)
Limited Eligibility Criteria for Mail-In Ballots
This provision defines a narrow set of circumstances under which a registered voter is eligible to request and receive a mail-in ballot for a federal election. These criteria include being a member of the uniformed services, a student or instructor residing outside their county, clergy assigned outside their county, temporary absence from the county, recent move over 100 miles, involuntary confinement for mental treatment, residing outside the U.S., unexpected hospitalization, participation in a state disability program, incarceration (non-felony), participation in an address confidentiality program, having a disability with documentation, or being 65 years or older.
Section 2(c)
Restriction on Permanent Mail-In Voter Lists
This provision clarifies that states may maintain lists of voters who have previously qualified for and requested mail-in ballots, but only if those voters continue to meet one or more of the specific eligibility criteria outlined in the bill. It explicitly prohibits states from keeping voters on permanent or automatic mail-in lists if they no longer meet these federal eligibility standards.
This clause asserts federal authority over state election laws regarding mail-in voting for federal elections, effectively overriding any state laws that allow broader mail-in ballot access than specified in the bill.
Section 2(b) "Notwithstanding any other provision of law..."
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for asserting preemption, not necessarily evasive, but its implications are profound.
Case for: Proponents would argue this is necessary to establish a uniform standard for federal elections across all states, ensuring consistent election integrity measures nationwide.
Case against: Opponents would argue this is an overreach of federal power into an area traditionally managed by states, undermining states' rights to determine their own election procedures and potentially creating conflict between federal and state law.
Estimated impact: Would invalidate existing state laws in many states that currently allow for broader mail-in voting access, requiring significant legislative and administrative changes at the state level.