Vote by Mail Protection Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]
- Committees
- Committee on House Administration (primary)
- Last action
- May 7, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to nullify a specific Executive Order concerning citizenship verification in federal elections and prevent federal agencies from implementing or funding its provisions.
What it actually does
This bill, the "Vote by Mail Protection Act of 2026," explicitly states that Executive Order 14399, which relates to ensuring citizenship verification and integrity in Federal elections, shall have no force or effect. It further mandates the abrogation of any contracts or arrangements entered into by agencies to carry out activities under this Executive Order and prohibits the use of agency funds for such activities.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that Executive Order 14399 imposes unnecessary and potentially discriminatory barriers to voting, particularly for eligible citizens who may face challenges in proving citizenship through specific documentation requirements. They contend that the Executive Order could disenfranchise lawful voters and complicate election administration, and that this bill protects voting access and streamlines election processes by removing these burdens.
Opponents contend
Opponents of this bill, and by extension proponents of Executive Order 14399, would argue that the Executive Order is essential for maintaining the integrity of federal elections by ensuring that only eligible citizens cast ballots. They contend that robust citizenship verification measures are necessary to prevent voter fraud and uphold public confidence in election outcomes, and that nullifying the order undermines these critical safeguards.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose quickly.
Section 2(a)
Nullification of Executive Order 14399
This provision declares that Executive Order 14399, which focuses on citizenship verification and integrity in federal elections, will no longer be valid or enforceable. It also requires that any existing contracts or agreements federal agencies made to implement this Executive Order must be canceled.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision removes unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and potential barriers to voting for eligible citizens, ensuring broader access to the ballot box. They contend that the Executive Order's requirements were overly burdensome and could lead to disenfranchisement.
Critics contend
Opponents argue that nullifying the Executive Order removes a critical safeguard against non-citizen voting, potentially compromising the integrity of federal elections. They believe that robust citizenship verification is essential to maintain public trust and prevent fraud.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of maximizing voter access against concerns about election integrity and preventing ineligible voters from participating.
Section 2(b)
Prohibition on Use of Funds for Executive Order Activities
This provision explicitly forbids any federal agency from using funds allocated for their salaries and expenses to carry out any activities related to Executive Order 14399. This ensures that even if aspects of the Executive Order were to persist in some form, no federal money could be spent to implement them.