dreamproit/uscode huggingface dataset:
52 U.S.C. § 20107 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20107. Definitions
As used in this chapter, the term—
(1) “accessible” means accessible to handicapped and elderly individuals for the purpose of voting or registration, as determined under guidelines established by the chief election officer of the State involved;
(2) “elderly” means 65 years of age or older;
(3) “Federal election” means a general, special, primary, or runoff election for the office of President or Vice President, or of Senator or Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress;
(4) “handicapped” means having a temporary or permanent physical disability; and
(5) “State” means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any territory or possesssion 1 of the United States.
(Pub. L. 98–435, § 8, Sept. 28, 1984, 98 Stat. 1679.)
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973ee–6 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
52 U.S.C. § 20305 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20305. Federal Voting Assistance Program Improvements
(a) Duties
The Presidential designee shall carry out the following duties:
(1) Develop online portals of information to inform absent uniformed services voters regarding voter registration procedures and absentee ballot procedures to be used by such voters with respect to elections for Federal office.
(2) Establish a program to notify absent uniformed services voters of voter registration information and resources, the availability of the Federal postcard application, and the availability of the Federal write-in absentee ballot on the military Global Network, and shall use the military Global Network to notify absent uniformed services voters of the foregoing 90, 60, and 30 days prior to each election for Federal office.
(b) Clarification regarding other duties and obligations
Nothing in this section shall relieve the Presidential designee of their duties and obligations under any directives or regulations issued by the Department of Defense, including the Department of Defense Directive 1000.04 (or any successor directive or regulation) that is not inconsistent or contradictory to the provisions of this section.
(c) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Federal Voting Assistance Program of the Department of Defense (or a successor program) such sums as are necessary for purposes of carrying out this section.
(Pub. L. 99–410, title I, § 103B, as added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, § 583(a)(1), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2327.)
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973ff–2b of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
heading: Effective Date
text: Section applicable with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2010 and each succeeding election for Federal office, see section 583(a)(3) of Pub. L. 111–84, set out as an Effective Date of 2009 Amendment note under section 20301 of this title.
52 U.S.C. § 20306 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20306. Prohibition of refusal of applications on grounds of early submission
A State may not refuse to accept or process, with respect to any election for Federal office, any otherwise valid voter registration application or absentee ballot application (including the postcard form prescribed under section 20301 of this title) submitted by an absent uniformed services voter during a year on the grounds that the voter submitted the application before the first date on which the State otherwise accepts or processes such applications for that year submitted by absentee voters who are not members of the uniformed services.
(Pub. L. 99–410, title I, § 104, Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 926; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title XVI, § 1606(b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1279; Pub. L. 107–252, title VII, §§ 704, 706(a), Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1724, 1725; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, § 585(a), (b)(2), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2331.)
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973ff–3 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
heading: Amendments
text: 2009—Pub. L. 111–84 substituted “Prohibition of refusal of applications on grounds of early submission” for “Use of single application for all subsequent elections” in section catchline, struck out subsecs. (a) to (d) which related, respectively, to provision of absentee ballot in subsequent elections after acceptance and processing of an official post card form, exception for voters changing registration, revision of official post card form, and construction of provisions with voter removal programs, and struck out subsec. (e) designation and heading before “A State”.
2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–252, § 704, substituted “through the next 2 regularly scheduled general elections for Federal office (including any runoff elections which may occur as a result of the outcome of such general elections), the State shall provide an absentee ballot to the voter for each such subsequent election” for “during that year, the State shall provide an absentee ballot to the voter for each subsequent election for Federal office held in the State during that year”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–252, § 706(a), added subsec. (e).
2001—Pub. L. 107–107 amended section catchline and text generally, substituting provisions relating to use of single application for all subsequent elections for provisions relating to recommendations to States to maximize access to polls by absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters.
heading: Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 107–252, title VII, § 706(b), Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1725, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to elections for Federal office that occur after January 1, 2004.”
52 U.S.C. § 20307 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20307. Enforcement
(a) In general
The Attorney General may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for such declaratory or injunctive relief as may be necessary to carry out this chapter.
(b) Report to Congress
Not later than December 31 of each year, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress an annual report on any civil action brought under subsection (a) during the preceding year.
(Pub. L. 99–410, title I, § 105, Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 927; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, § 587, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2333.)
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973ff–4 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
heading: Amendments
text: 2009—Pub. L. 111–84 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).
52 U.S.C. § 20309 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20309. Effect on certain other laws
The exercise of any right under this chapter shall not affect, for purposes of any Federal, State, or local tax, the residence or domicile of a person exercising such right.
(Pub. L. 99–410, title I, § 106, Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 927.)
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973ff–5 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
52 U.S.C. § 20501 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20501. Findings and purposes
(a) Findings
The Congress finds that—
(1) the right of citizens of the United States to vote is a fundamental right;
(2) it is the duty of the Federal, State, and local governments to promote the exercise of that right; and
(3) discriminatory and unfair registration laws and procedures can have a direct and damaging effect on voter participation in elections for Federal office and disproportionately harm voter participation by various groups, including racial minorities.
(b) Purposes
The purposes of this chapter are—
(1) to establish procedures that will increase the number of eligible citizens who register to vote in elections for Federal office;
(2) to make it possible for Federal, State, and local governments to implement this chapter in a manner that enhances the participation of eligible citizens as voters in elections for Federal office;
(3) to protect the integrity of the electoral process; and
(4) to ensure that accurate and current voter registration rolls are maintained.
(Pub. L. 103–31, § 2, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 77.)
heading: References in Text
text: This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 103–31, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 77, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973gg of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
heading: Effective Date
text: Pub. L. 103–31, § 13, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 89, provided that:
“This Act [see Tables for classification] shall take effect—
“(1) with respect to a State that on the date of enactment of this Act [May 20, 1993] has a provision in the constitution of the State that would preclude compliance with this Act unless the State maintained separate Federal and State official lists of eligible voters, on the later of—
“(A) January 1, 1996; or
“(B) the date that is 120 days after the date by which, under the constitution of the State as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, it would be legally possible to adopt and place into effect any amendments to the constitution of the State that are necessary to permit such compliance with this Act without requiring a special election; and
“(2) with respect to any State not described in paragraph (1), on January 1, 1995.”
heading: Proof of Citizenship
text: Pub. L. 104–132, title IX, § 902, Apr. 24, 1996, 110 Stat. 1317, provided that: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a Federal, State, or local government agency may not use a voter registration card (or other related document) that evidences registration for an election for Federal office, as evidence to prove United States citizenship.”
Similar provisions were contained in section 117 of H.R. 2076, One Hundred Fourth Congress, as passed by the House of Representatives on Dec. 6, 1995, and as enacted into law by Pub. L. 104–91, title I, § 101(a), Jan. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 11, as amended by Pub. L. 104–99, title II, § 211, Jan. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 37.
52 U.S.C. § 20502 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20502. Definitions
As used in this chapter—
(1) the term “election” has the meaning stated in section 30101(1) of this title;
(2) the term “Federal office” has the meaning stated in section 30101(3) of this title;
(3) the term “motor vehicle driver’s license” includes any personal identification document issued by a State motor vehicle authority;
(4) the term “State” means a State of the United States and the District of Columbia; and
(5) the term “voter registration agency” means an office designated under section 20506(a)(1) of this title to perform voter registration activities.
(Pub. L. 103–31, § 3, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 77.)
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973gg–1 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
52 U.S.C. § 20503 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20503. National procedures for voter registration for elections for Federal office
(a) In general
Except as provided in subsection (b), notwithstanding any other Federal or State law, in addition to any other method of voter registration provided for under State law, each State shall establish procedures to register to vote in elections for Federal office—
(1) by application made simultaneously with an application for a motor vehicle driver’s license pursuant to section 20504 of this title;
(2) by mail application pursuant to section 20505 of this title; and
(3) by application in person—
(A) at the appropriate registration site designated with respect to the residence of the applicant in accordance with State law; and
(B) at a Federal, State, or nongovernmental office designated under section 20506 of this title.
(b) Nonapplicability to certain States
This chapter does not apply to a State described in either or both of the following paragraphs:
(1) A State in which, under law that is in effect continuously on and after August 1, 1994, there is no voter registration requirement for any voter in the State with respect to an election for Federal office.
(2) A State in which, under law that is in effect continuously on and after August 1, 1994, or that was enacted on or prior to August 1, 1994, and by its terms is to come into effect upon the enactment of this chapter, so long as that law remains in effect, all voters in the State may register to vote at the polling place at the time of voting in a general election for Federal office.
(Pub. L. 103–31, § 4, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 78; Pub. L. 104–91, title I, § 101(a), Jan. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 11, amended Pub. L. 104–99, title II, § 211, Jan. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 37.)
heading: References in Text
text: Upon the enactment of this chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 103–31, which was approved May 20, 1993.
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973gg–2 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–91 is based on section 116(a) of H.R. 2076, One Hundred Fourth Congress, as passed by the House of Representatives on Dec. 6, 1995, which was enacted into law by Pub. L. 104–91.
heading: Amendments
text: 1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–91, as amended by Pub. L. 104–99, substituted “August 1, 1994” for “March 11, 1993” wherever appearing.
heading: Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
text: Section 116(b) of H.R. 2076, One Hundred Fourth Congress, as passed by the House of Representatives on Dec. 6, 1995, and as enacted into law by Pub. L. 104–91, title I, § 101(a), Jan. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 11, as amended by Pub. L. 104–99, title II, § 211, Jan. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 37, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the provisions of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 [Pub. L. 103–31, see Tables for classification].”
52 U.S.C. § 20505 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20505. Mail registration
(a) Form
(1) Each State shall accept and use the mail voter registration application form prescribed by the Federal Election Commission pursuant to section 20508(a)(2) of this title for the registration of voters in elections for Federal office.
(2) In addition to accepting and using the form described in paragraph (1), a State may develop and use a mail voter registration form that meets all of the criteria stated in section 20508(b) of this title for the registration of voters in elections for Federal office.
(3) A form described in paragraph (1) or (2) shall be accepted and used for notification of a registrant’s change of address.
(b) Availability of forms
The chief State election official of a State shall make the forms described in subsection (a) available for distribution through governmental and private entities, with particular emphasis on making them available for organized voter registration programs.
(c) First-time voters
(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a State may by law require a person to vote in person if—
(A) the person was registered to vote in a jurisdiction by mail; and
(B) the person has not previously voted in that jurisdiction.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in the case of a person—
(A) who is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act [52 U.S.C. 20301 et seq.];
(B) who is provided the right to vote otherwise than in person under section 20102(b)(2)(B)(ii) of this title; or
(C) who is entitled to vote otherwise than in person under any other Federal law.
(d) Undelivered notices
If a notice of the disposition of a mail voter registration application under section 20507(a)(2) of this title is sent by nonforwardable mail and is returned undelivered, the registrar may proceed in accordance with section 20507(d) of this title.
(Pub. L. 103–31, § 6, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 79.)
heading: References in Text
text: The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A), is Pub. L. 99–410, Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 924, which is classified principally to chapter 203 (§ 20301 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973gg–4 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
52 U.S.C. § 20508 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20508. Federal coordination and regulations
(a) In general
The Election Assistance Commission—
(1) in consultation with the chief election officers of the States, shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out paragraphs (2) and (3);
(2) in consultation with the chief election officers of the States, shall develop a mail voter registration application form for elections for Federal office;
(3) not later than June 30 of each odd-numbered year, shall submit to the Congress a report assessing the impact of this chapter on the administration of elections for Federal office during the preceding 2-year period and including recommendations for improvements in Federal and State procedures, forms, and other matters affected by this chapter; and
(4) shall provide information to the States with respect to the responsibilities of the States under this chapter.
(b) Contents of mail voter registration form
The mail voter registration form developed under subsection (a)(2)—
(1) may require only such identifying information (including the signature of the applicant) and other information (including data relating to previous registration by the applicant), as is necessary to enable the appropriate State election official to assess the eligibility of the applicant and to administer voter registration and other parts of the election process;
(2) shall include a statement that—
(A) specifies each eligibility requirement (including citizenship);
(B) contains an attestation that the applicant meets each such requirement; and
(C) requires the signature of the applicant, under penalty of perjury;
(3) may not include any requirement for notarization or other formal authentication; and
(4) shall include, in print that is identical to that used in the attestation portion of the application—
(i) the information required in section 20507(a)(5)(A) and (B) of this title;
(ii) a statement that, if an applicant declines to register to vote, the fact that the applicant has declined to register will remain confidential and will be used only for voter registration purposes; and
(iii) a statement that if an applicant does register to vote, the office at which the applicant submits a voter registration application will remain confidential and will be used only for voter registration purposes.
(Pub. L. 103–31, § 9, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 87; Pub. L. 107–252, title VIII, § 802(b), Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1726.)
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973gg–7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
heading: Amendments
text: 2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–252 substituted “Election Assistance Commission” for “Federal Election Commission” in introductory provisions.
heading: Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
text: Amendment by Pub. L. 107–252 effective upon appointment of all members of the Election Assistance Commission under section 20923 of this title, see section 21134(a) of this title.
52 U.S.C. § 20509 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20509. Designation of chief State election official
Each State shall designate a State officer or employee as the chief State election official to be responsible for coordination of State responsibilities under this chapter.
(Pub. L. 103–31, § 10, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 87.)
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973gg–8 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
52 U.S.C. § 20510 (VOTING AND ELECTIONS)
§ 20510. Civil enforcement and private right of action
(a) Attorney General
The Attorney General may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for such declaratory or injunctive relief as is necessary to carry out this chapter.
(b) Private right of action
(1) A person who is aggrieved by a violation of this chapter may provide written notice of the violation to the chief election official of the State involved.
(2) If the violation is not corrected within 90 days after receipt of a notice under paragraph (1), or within 20 days after receipt of the notice if the violation occurred within 120 days before the date of an election for Federal office, the aggrieved person may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation.
(3) If the violation occurred within 30 days before the date of an election for Federal office, the aggrieved person need not provide notice to the chief election official of the State under paragraph (1) before bringing a civil action under paragraph (2).
(c) Attorney’s fees
In a civil action under this section, the court may allow the prevailing party (other than the United States) reasonable attorney fees, including litigation expenses, and costs.
(d) Relation to other laws
(1) The rights and remedies established by this section are in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law, and neither the rights and remedies established by this section nor any other provision of this chapter shall supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.) [now 52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq.].
(2) Nothing in this chapter authorizes or requires conduct that is prohibited by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.) [now 52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq.].
(Pub. L. 103–31, § 11, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 88.)
heading: References in Text
text: The Voting Rights Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 89–110, Aug. 6, 1965, 79 Stat. 437, which is classified generally to chapters 103 (§ 10301 et seq.), 105 (§ 10501 et seq.), and 107 (§ 10701 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
heading: Codification
text: Section was formerly classified to section 1973gg–9 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.