Voter Purge Protection Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
- Committees
- Rules and Administration Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 9, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to strengthen voter protections against purges by restricting the grounds for removal from voter rolls and enhancing voter registration portability within a state, thereby safeguarding access to the ballot box.
What it actually does
This bill amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) to prohibit states from removing voters from official lists solely based on their failure to vote, failure to respond to election mail (unless undeliverable), or failure to take other voting-related actions. It requires states to use objective and reliable evidence of ineligibility (like death or permanent move out of state) for removals and mandates notice to removed voters. It also allows voters who move within the same state to update their address and vote at their new polling place or a central location on election day.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill is essential for protecting the right to vote by preventing eligible citizens from being improperly removed from voter rolls, which disproportionately affects minority voters, low-income individuals, and students. They contend that current practices, such as purging based on infrequent voting, disenfranchise eligible voters and create unnecessary barriers to participation. The bill ensures that states rely on verifiable evidence for removals and provides flexibility for voters who move within a state.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that the bill could hinder states' efforts to maintain accurate voter rolls, potentially leading to increased instances of ineligible voters remaining on lists. They may contend that practices like using voter inactivity as an indicator of changed residence are necessary tools for preventing voter fraud and ensuring election integrity. They might also raise concerns about the administrative burden on states if they are restricted from using certain data points for list maintenance.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 3(a), inserting new Section 8A(a)(2) into the NVRA
Prohibiting Voter Removal Based on Inactivity or Non-Response
This provision explicitly states that a state cannot remove a voter from the official list of eligible voters for federal elections based solely on their failure to vote in any election, failure to respond to election mail (unless returned as undeliverable), or failure to take any other action related to voting or their registration status. It clarifies that these factors are not to be treated as "objective and reliable evidence of ineligibility" for voter roll maintenance purposes, thereby protecting voters from being purged for inactivity.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision directly addresses a major cause of wrongful voter purges, ensuring that eligible citizens are not disenfranchised simply for not voting in every election. It protects the right to vote for all citizens, especially those who may face barriers to regular participation.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that restricting the use of voter inactivity or non-response makes it harder for states to maintain accurate voter rolls, potentially leaving ineligible voters on the lists and increasing the risk of fraud or administrative inefficiencies.
Tradeoffs
Balances voter access and protection against the administrative burden and perceived need for rigorous list maintenance to ensure election integrity.
Section 3(a), inserting new Section 8A(a)(1) and (3) into the NVRA
Requiring Objective Evidence for Voter Roll Removals
This provision mandates that a state can only remove a registrant from the official list of voters if it verifies, based on "objective and reliable evidence," that the registrant is ineligible to vote. It specifies that death or permanently moving out of state (based on official records) are valid grounds, but requires an opportunity for the removed voter to demonstrate eligibility and be reinstated on the official list.
Section 3(a), inserting new Section 8A(b) into the NVRA
Mandatory Notice for Removed Voters and Public
This section requires states to send notice to an individual within 48 hours of their removal from the voter list, detailing the grounds for removal and how to contest it or be reinstated. It also mandates public notice within 48 hours of any general purge program, informing the public that list maintenance is occurring and advising voters to check their registration status, with accessibility considerations for voters with disabilities.
Section 3(b), amending Section 8(d) of the NVRA
Limiting Initiation of Change of Residence Procedures
This amendment prohibits states from sending a notice to a registrant (initiating the removal process based on changed residence) unless the state has "objective and reliable evidence" that the registrant has moved outside the registrar's jurisdiction. This reinforces the higher evidentiary standard introduced in the new Section 8A, ensuring that removal procedures are only initiated on solid grounds.
Section 4, amending Section 8(e) of the NVRA
Election Day Address Updates for In-State Movers
This provision allows a registered voter who has moved from one address to another *within the same state* to update their address and vote at their new polling place or a central location on election day, even if they failed to notify the registrar of the change prior to the election. This is done through an oral or written affirmation of the address change before an election official, significantly enhancing voter portability.