Title: DemocracyCorps Act
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
DemocracyCorps Act
This bill creates the DemocracyCorps, a government corporation that must assist states and local governments with administering elections. The bill also establishes special election procedures for the 2020 federal elections, particularly with respect to COVID-19 preparedness, and revises certain election procedures for all federal elections.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3822 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






116th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 3822

   To establish DemocracyCorps to assist State and local governments 
  administer elections and to promote democracy, to establish special 
   procedures and authorize funding for Federal election in 2020 in 
  response to COVID-19, to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to 
establish additional permanent requirements for Federal elections, and 
                          for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 21, 2020

  Mr. Booker introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
         referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
   To establish DemocracyCorps to assist State and local governments 
  administer elections and to promote democracy, to establish special 
   procedures and authorize funding for Federal election in 2020 in 
  response to COVID-19, to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to 
establish additional permanent requirements for Federal elections, and 
                          for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE, ETC.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``DemocracyCorps 
Act''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title, etc.
                        TITLE I--DEMOCRACYCORPS

Sec. 101. Establishment.
Sec. 102. Board of directors.
Sec. 103. Authorities and duties of the board of directors.
Sec. 104. Chief executive officer.
Sec. 105. Authorities and duties of the chief executive officer.
Sec. 106. Officers.
Sec. 107. Employees, consultants, and other personnel.
Sec. 108. Members.
Sec. 109. Reporting requirements.
Sec. 110. Authorization of appropriations.
     TITLE II--SPECIAL RULES RELATING TO CERTAIN ELECTIONS IN 2020

Sec. 201. Special requirements for Federal elections in 2020 relating 
                            to COVID-19.
Sec. 202. Polling place modifications.
Sec. 203. Grants to promote safe, accessible, and efficient in-person 
                            voting.
        TITLE III--ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL ELECTIONS

Sec. 301. Voting by mail in Federal elections.
Sec. 302. Requirement to allow for early voting.
Sec. 303. Requirement for acceptance of voter registration 
                            applications.
                           TITLE IV--FUNDING

Sec. 401. Suspension of state matching requirement for election 
                            security grants provided under the CARES 
                            Act.

                        TITLE I--DEMOCRACYCORPS

SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT.

    (a) In General.--There is established a Government corporation (as 
defined in section 103, of title 5, United States Code) to be know as 
``DemocracyCorps''.
    (b) Purpose.--DemocracyCorps shall--
            (1) assist States and local governments in the 
        administration of Federal, State, and local elections; and
            (2) engage in activities that promote participation in 
        American democracy.

SEC. 102. BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

    (a) Composition.--
            (1) In general.--DemocracyCorps shall have a Board of 
        Directors (referred to in this title as the ``Board'') that 
        shall be composed of--
                    (A) 15 members appointed by the President, by and 
                with the advice and consent of the Senate, of whom--
                            (i) one shall be an individual between the 
                        ages of 16 and 25;
                            (ii) one shall be a representative of the 
                        Native American community; and
                            (iii) one shall be a representative of the 
                        disability community; and
                    (B) the ex officio nonvoting members described in 
                paragraph (3).
            (2) Qualifications.--In make appointments under paragraph 
        (1)(A), to the maximum extent practicable, the President--
                    (A) shall appoint individuals who have experience 
                in expanding voting rights and protecting the right to 
                vote; and
                    (B) shall not appoint individuals who have 
                conducted activities related to expanding, developing, 
                or implementing any of the following:
                            (i) A law which requires photograph-bearing 
                        identification as a requirement to register to 
                        vote or to vote, except as may be required when 
                        serving as a nonpartisan poll worker and 
                        applying uniform procedures to confirm 
                        individual's eligibility to cast a ballot under 
                        applicable laws.
                            (ii) A program that removes the names of 
                        ineligible voters from the official lists of 
                        eligible voters, except where a voter requests 
                        removal, is confirmed to have died or become 
                        ineligible by reason of incapacity or 
                        conviction, or is removed pursuant to the 
                        procedures set forth in section 8(d) of the 
                        National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 
                        U.S.C. 20507(d)).
                            (iii) A law which prohibits voter 
                        registration unless the voter submits 
                        documentary proof of citizenship.
                            (iv) A law which prohibits voter 
                        registration unless the information on a voter 
                        registration application is an exact match with 
                        information previously provided to the State or 
                        jurisdiction.
                            (v) Any law that has the effect of 
                        discouraging or preventing any eligible voters 
                        from voting.
                            (vi) Any law, policy, or activity that--
                                    (I) provides additional procedural 
                                or substantive prerequisites for 
                                registering to vote or voting; or
                                    (II) has the effect of discouraging 
                                or preventing any eligible voters from 
                                registering to vote or voting.
            (3) Ex officio members.--The following individuals (or a 
        delegate of such individual) shall be ex officio nonvoting 
        members described in this paragraph:
                    (A) The Attorney General.
                    (B) Each member of the Election Assistance 
                Commission.
                    (C) The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
                    (D) The Secretary of Homeland Security.
                    (E) The Chief Executive Officer.
                    (F) The Secretary of Defense.
    (b) Officers.--
            (1) Chairperson.--The President shall appoint a member of 
        the Board to serve as the initial Chairperson of the Board. 
        Each subsequent Chairperson shall be elected by the Board from 
        among its members.
            (2) Vice chairperson.--The Board shall elect a Vice 
        Chairperson from among its membership.
            (3) Other officers.--The Board may elect from among its 
        membership such additional officers of the Board as the Board 
        determines to be appropriate.
    (c) Terms.--Subject to subsection (e), each appointed member shall 
serve for a term of 5 years.
    (d) Vacancies.--If a vacancy occurs on the Board, a new member 
shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent 
of the Senate, and serve for the remainder of the term for which the 
predecessor of such member was appointed. The vacancy shall not affect 
the power of the remaining members to execute the duties of the Board.
    (e) Service Until Appointment of Successor.--A voting member of the 
Board whose term has expired may continue to serve on the Board until 
the date on which the member's successor takes office, which period 
shall not exceed 1 year.

SEC. 103. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

    (a) Meetings.--The Board shall meet not less often than 4 times 
each year. The Board shall hold additional meetings at the call of the 
Chairperson of the Board, or if 6 members of the Board request such 
meetings in writing.
    (b) Quorum.--A majority of the appointed members of the Board shall 
constitute a quorum.
    (c) Authorities of Officers.--
            (1) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Board may call and 
        conduct meetings of the Board.
            (2) Vice chairperson.--The Vice Chairperson of the Board 
        may conduct meetings of the Board in the absence of the 
        Chairperson.
    (d) Expenses.--While away from their homes or regular places of 
business on the business of the Board, members of such Board shall be 
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at 
rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of 
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, for persons employed 
intermittently in the Government service.
    (e) Special Government Employees.--For purposes of the provisions 
of chapter 11 of part I of title 18, United States Code, and any other 
provision of Federal law, a member of the Board (to whom such 
provisions would not otherwise apply except for this subsection) shall 
be a special Government employee.
    (f) Duties.--The Board shall have responsibility for setting 
overall policy for DemocracyCorps and shall work to expand the number 
of people who participate in American democracy.
    (g) Limitation on Participation.--All employees and officers of 
DemocracyCorps shall recuse themselves from decisions that would 
constitute conflicts of interest.

SEC. 104. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

    (a) Appointment.--DemocracyCorps shall be headed by an individual 
who shall serve as Chief Executive Officer of DemocracyCorps, and who 
shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent 
of the Senate.
    (b) Compensation.--The Chief Executive Officer shall be compensated 
at the rate provided for level III of the Executive Schedule under 
section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, plus 3 percent.
    (c) Regulations.--The Chief Executive Officer shall prescribe such 
rules and regulations as are necessary or appropriate to carry out this 
title.

SEC. 105. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

    (a) General Powers and Duties.--The Chief Executive Officer shall 
be responsible for the exercise of the powers and the discharge of the 
duties of DemocracyCorps that are not reserved to the Board, and shall 
have authority and control over all personnel of DemocracyCorps, except 
as provided in section 8E of the Inspector General Act of 1978.
    (b) Duties.--The Chief Executive Officer, in collaboration with the 
State Commissions, shall--
            (1) prepare and submit to the Board a strategic plan every 
        2 years on the major functions and operations of 
        DemocracyCorps; and
            (2) prepare and submit to the Board a proposal with respect 
        to the allocation of members to States.
    (c) Powers.--In addition to the authority conferred on the Chief 
Executive Officer under any other provision of law, the Chief Executive 
Officer may--
            (1) engage in hiring campaigns to recruit members;
            (2) file a civil action in any court of record of a State 
        having general jurisdiction or in any district court of the 
        Unite States, with respect to a claim arising under this title; 
        and
            (3) generally perform such functions and take such steps 
        consistent with the objectives and provisions of this title and 
        the laws described in section 108(c)(4), as the Chief Executive 
        Officer determines to be necessary or appropriate to carry out 
        such provisions.
    (d) Delegation.--
            (1) Definition.--As used in this subsection, the term 
        ``function'' means any duty, obligation, power, authority, 
        responsibility, right, privilege, activity, or program.
            (2) In general.--Except as otherwise prohibited by law or 
        provided in this title, the Chief Executive Officer may 
        delegate any function under this title, and authorize such 
        successive redelegations of such function as may be necessary 
        or appropriate. No delegation of a function by the Chief 
        Executive Officer under this subsection or under any other 
        provision of this title shall relieve such Chief Executive 
        Officer of responsibility for the administration of such 
        function.
            (3) Function of board.--The Chief Executive Officer may not 
        delegate a function of the Board without the permission of the 
        Board.

SEC. 106. OFFICERS.

    (a) Managing Directors.--
            (1) In general.--There shall be in DemocracyCorps 2 
        Managing Directors, who shall be appointed by the President, 
        and who shall report to the Chief Executive Officer.
            (2) Compensation.--The Managing Directors shall be 
        compensated at the rate provided for level IV of the Executive 
        Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
            (3) Duties.--DemocracyCorps shall determine the programs 
        for which the Managing Directors shall have primary 
        responsibility and shall establish the divisions of 
        DemocracyCorps to be headed by the Managing Directors.
    (b) Inspector General.--
            (1) Office.--There shall be in DemocracyCorps an Office of 
        the Inspector General.
            (2) Appointment.--The Office shall be headed by an 
        Inspector General, appointed in accordance with the Inspector 
        General Act of 1978.
    (c) Chief Financial Officer.--
            (1) In general.--There shall be in DemocracyCorps a Chief 
        Financial Officer, who shall be appointed by the Chief 
        Executive Officer.
            (2) Duties.--The Chief Financial Officer shall--
                    (A) report directly to the Chief Executive Officer 
                regarding financial management matters;
                    (B) oversee all financial management activities 
                relating to the programs and operations of 
                DemocracyCorps;
                    (C) develop and maintain an integrated accounting 
                and financial management system for DemocracyCorps, 
                including financial reporting and internal controls;
                    (D) develop and maintain any joint financial 
                management systems with the Department of Education 
                necessary to carry out the programs of DemocracyCorps; 
                and
                    (E) direct, manage, and provide policy guidance and 
                oversight of the financial management personnel, 
                activities, and operations of DemocracyCorps.

SEC. 107. EMPLOYEES, CONSULTANTS, AND OTHER PERSONNEL.

    (a) Employees.--Except as provided in subsection (b), section 108, 
and section 8E of the Inspector General Act of 1978, the Chief 
Executive Officer shall, in accordance with applicable provisions of 
title 5, United States Code, appoint and determine the compensation of 
such employees as the Chief Executive Officer determines to be 
necessary to carry out the duties of DemocracyCorps.
    (b) Alternative Personnel System.--
            (1) Authority.--The Chief Executive Officer may designate 
        positions in DemocracyCorps as positions to which the Chief 
        Executive Officer may make appointments, and for which the 
        Chief Executive Officer may determine compensation, without 
        regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, 
        governing appointments in the competitive service, and without 
        regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of 
        chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General 
        Schedule pay rates, to the extent the Chief Executive Officer 
        determines that such a designation is appropriate and desirable 
        to further the effective operation of DemocracyCorps. The Chief 
        Executive Officer may provide for appointments to such 
        positions to be made on a limited term basis.
            (2) Appointment in the competitive service after employment 
        under alternative personnel system.--The Director of the Office 
        of Personnel Management may grant competitive status for 
        appointment to the competitive service, under such conditions 
        as the Director may prescribe, to an employee who is appointed 
        under this subsection and who is separated from DemocracyCorps 
        (other than by removal for cause).
            (3) Selection and compensation system.--
                    (A) Establishment of system.--The Chief Executive 
                Officer, after obtaining the approval of the Director 
                of the Office of Personnel Management, shall issue 
                regulations establishing a selection and compensation 
                system for employees of DemocracyCorps appointed under 
                paragraph (1). In issuing such regulations, the Chief 
                Executive Officer shall take into consideration the 
                need for flexibility in such a system.
                    (B) Application.--The Chief Executive Officer shall 
                appoint and determine the compensation of employees in 
                accordance with the selection and compensation system 
                established under subparagraph (A).
                    (C) Selection.--The system established under 
                subparagraph (A) shall provide for the selection of 
                employees--
                            (i) through a competitive process; and
                            (ii) on the basis of the qualifications of 
                        applicants and the requirements of the 
                        positions.
                    (D) Compensation.--The system established under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include a scheme for the 
                classification of positions in DemocracyCorps. The 
                system shall require that the compensation of an 
                employee be determined in part on the basis of the job 
                performance of the employee, and in a manner consistent 
                with the principles described in section 5301 of title 
                5, United States Code. The rate of compensation for 
                each employee compensated under the system shall not 
                exceed the annual rate of basic pay payable for level 
                IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of 
                title 5, United States Code.
    (c) Consultants.--The Chief Executive Officer may procure the 
temporary and intermittent services of experts and consultants and 
compensate the experts and consultants in accordance with section 
3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.
    (d) Details of Personnel.--The head of any Federal department or 
agency may detail on a reimbursable basis, or on a nonreimbursable 
basis for not to exceed 180 calendar days during any fiscal year, as 
agreed upon by the Chief Executive Officer and the head of the Federal 
agency, any of the personnel of that department or agency to 
DemocracyCorps to assist the DemocracyCorps in carrying out the duties 
of DemocracyCorps under this title. Any detail shall not interrupt or 
otherwise affect the civil service status or privileges of the Federal 
employee.
    (e) Advisory Committees.--
            (1) Establishment.--The Chief Executive Officer, acting 
        upon the recommendation of the Board, may establish advisory 
        committees in DemocracyCorps to advise the Board with respect 
        to the allocation members to States in accordance with section 
        108(d)(1).
            (2) Composition.--Such an advisory committee shall be 
        composed of members appointed by the Chief Executive Officer, 
        with such qualifications as the Chief Executive Officer may 
        specify.
            (3) Expenses.--Members of such an advisory committee may be 
        allowed travel expenses as described in section 103(d).
            (4) Staff.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
                (B), the Chief Executive Officer is authorized to 
                appoint and fix the compensation of such staff as the 
                Chief Executive Officer determines to be necessary to 
                carry out the functions of the advisory committee, 
                without regard to--
                            (i) the provisions of title 5, United 
                        States Code, governing appointments in the 
                        competitive service; and
                            (ii) the provisions of chapter 51 and 
                        subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title 
                        relating to classification and General Schedule 
                        pay rates.
                    (B) Compensation.--If a member of the staff 
                appointed under subparagraph (A) was appointed without 
                regard to the provisions described in clauses (i) and 
                (ii) of subparagraph (A), the rate of compensation for 
                such member may not exceed the maximum rate of basic 
                pay payable for GS-13 of the General Schedule under 
                section 5332 of title 5, United States Code.
    (f) Personal Services Contracts.--DemocracyCorps may enter into 
personal services contracts to carry out research, evaluation, and 
public awareness related to the provisions of this title and the laws 
described in section 108(c)(4).

SEC. 108. MEMBERS.

    (a) In General.--DemocracyCorps shall--
            (1) recruit and employ members as provided in subsection 
        (b);
            (2) train members as provided in subsection (c); and
            (3) assign and manage members as provided in subsection 
        (d).
    (b) Members.--
            (1) Capacity.--The DemocracyCorps shall employ not more 
        than 35,000 members.
            (2) Qualifications.--No person may be a member unless such 
        person is at least 18 years of age.
            (3) Terms of employment.--
                    (A) Duration.--A member shall be employed for a 2-
                year period that commences at the conclusion of each 
                regularly scheduled election for Federal office.
                    (B) Hours.--
                            (i) In general.--Members shall not be 
                        required to work more than 40 hours per week.
                            (ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not apply 
                        to the 30-day period preceding the date of any 
                        election in the jurisdiction to which the 
                        member is assigned.
                    (C) Compensation.--
                            (i) Wages.--
                                    (I) In general.--Members shall be 
                                compensated at a rate equal to $15 per 
                                hour plus locality pay determined in 
                                the same manner as provided in section 
                                5304 of title 5, United States Code.
                                    (II) Inflation adjustment.--In the 
                                case of any calendar year beginning 
                                after 2020, the $15 amount in subclause 
                                (I) shall be increased by the percent 
                                difference determined under section 
                                315(c)(1)(A) of the Federal Election 
                                Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 
                                30116(c)(1)(A)) (determined as if the 
                                base year were 2019)). If any amount 
                                after adjustment under the preceding 
                                sentence is not a multiple of $0.10, 
                                such amount shall be rounded to the 
                                nearest multiple of $0.10.
                            (ii) Student loan repayment and 
                        forbearance.--
                                    (I) In general.--DemocracyCorps 
                                shall--
                                            (aa) repay qualified 
                                        student loans in accordance 
                                        with subclause (II); and
                                            (bb) pay interest expenses 
                                        in accordance with regulations 
                                        prescribed pursuant to 
                                        subclause (III).
                                    (II) Student loan repayment.--
                                            (aa) Application.--A member 
                                        who desires to receive 
                                        repayment of qualified student 
                                        loans shall submit, in a manner 
                                        prescribed by DemocracyCorps, 
                                        an application to 
                                        DemocracyCorps.
                                            (bb) Disbursement.--Upon 
                                        receipt of an application from 
                                        a member, DemocracyCorps shall 
                                        disburse an amount equal to the 
                                        maximum amount of a Federal 
                                        Pell Grant under section 401 of 
                                        the Higher Education Act of 
                                        1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a) that a 
                                        student eligible for such Grant 
                                        may receive in the aggregate 
                                        (without regard to whether the 
                                        funds are provided through 
                                        discretionary or mandatory 
                                        appropriations), for the award 
                                        year during which the 
                                        application was received. Such 
                                        disbursement shall be made by 
                                        check or other means that is 
                                        payable to the holder of the 
                                        loan and requires the 
                                        endorsement or other 
                                        certification by the member.
                                    (III) Interest payments during 
                                forbearance on loan repayment.--
                                DemocracyCorps shall provide by 
                                regulation for the payment on behalf of 
                                a member of interest that accrues 
                                during a period for which such member 
                                has obtained forbearance in the 
                                repayment of a qualified student loan, 
                                if the member successfully completes 
                                the member's term of employment. Such 
                                regulations shall be prescribed after 
                                consultation with the Secretary of 
                                Education.
                                    (IV) Definition of qualified 
                                student loans.--As used in this clause, 
                                the term ``qualified student loans'' 
                                means--
                                            (aa) any loan made, 
                                        insured, or guaranteed pursuant 
                                        to title IV of the Higher 
                                        Education Act of 1965 (20 
                                        U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), other 
                                        than a loan to a parent of a 
                                        student pursuant to section 
                                        428B of such Act (20 U.S.C. 
                                        1078-2);
                                            (bb) any loan made pursuant 
                                        to title VII or VIII of the 
                                        Public Health Service Act (42 
                                        U.S.C. 292a et seq.); and
                                            (cc) any loan (other than a 
                                        loan described in item (aa) or 
                                        (bb)) determined by an 
                                        institution of higher education 
                                        to be necessary to cover a 
                                        student's educational expenses 
                                        and made, insured, or 
                                        guaranteed by--

                                                    (AA) an eligible 
                                                lender, as defined in 
                                                section 435 of the 
                                                Higher Education Act of 
                                                1965 (20 U.S.C. 1085);

                                                    (BB) the direct 
                                                student loan program 
                                                under part D of title 
                                                IV of such Act (20 
                                                U.S.C. 1087a et seq.);

                                                    (CC) a State 
                                                agency; or

                                                    (DD) a lender 
                                                otherwise determined 
                                                eligible by 
                                                DemocracyCorps.

    (c) Training.--Members shall be trained by DemocracyCorps (in 
consultation with election officials in the jurisdictions to which such 
members are assigned under subsection (d)) in the following areas:
            (1) Voter registration (including automatic voter 
        registration, same-day voter registration, registration with 
        application for a motor vehicle driver's license, mail-in 
        registration, in-person registration, and pre-registration for 
        16 and 17 year olds).
            (2) Election administration (including voting by mail, 
        early voting, in-person voting, canvassing, and certification).
            (3) The history of voting rights in the United States.
            (4) The requirements of the following laws:
                    (A) The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. 10101 
                et seq.).
                    (B) The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 
                20901 et seq.).
                    (C) The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and 
                Handicapped Act (52 U.S.C. 20101 et seq.).
                    (D) The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee 
                Voting Act (52 U.S.C. 20301 et seq.).
                    (E) The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 
                U.S.C. 20501 et seq.).
                    (F) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 
                U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
            (5) Best practices and policies with respect to--
                    (A) voters with disabilities;
                    (B) Limited English proficiency voters;
                    (C) Native American and Alaskan Native voters;
                    (D) rural voters; and
                    (E) voters who reside in high-density areas;
            (6) The role of the United States Postal Service in 
        elections.
            (7) Natural disaster and public health emergency 
        preparedness and safety measures.
            (8) Election security.
    (d) Assignment and Duties of Members.--
            (1) Assignment.--
                    (A) In general.--Each member shall be assigned to a 
                State.
                    (B) Maximum number of assignments per state.--The 
                number of members assigned to any State shall be 
                determined by the Chief Executive Officer based on the 
                following:
                            (i) The total population of the State.
                            (ii) The population within the State 
                        located in the Indian Country (as defined in 
                        section 1151 of title 18, United States Code) 
                        or on any land in Alaska owned pursuant to the 
                        Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 
                        1601 et seq.).
                            (iii) The number of elected positions 
                        within the State.
            (2) Duties.--
                    (A) In general.--Members assigned to a State shall 
                carry out the following duties:
                            (i) Democracy building.--Notwithstanding 
                        whether a State has an agreement with 
                        DemocracyCorps relating to any services 
                        provided by members, members assigned to a 
                        State shall carry out the following duties in 
                        the State:
                                    (I) Voter registration.
                                    (II) Voter mobilization.
                                    (III) Voter education (including 
                                education about new procedures required 
                                under the amendments made by this Act).
                            (ii) Election administration.--In the case 
                        of members assigned to a State that has an 
                        agreement with DemocracyCorps to carry out such 
                        duties, members assigned to a State shall carry 
                        out the following additional duties:
                                    (I) Training and assisting State 
                                and local election officials.
                                    (II) Participating at the direction 
                                of State and local election officials 
                                in the administration of elections 
                                carried out in such State (including as 
                                poll workers).
                    (B) Prohibition.--A member shall not perform any 
                service that expands, develops, or implements any of 
                the following:
                            (i) A law which requires photograph-bearing 
                        identification as a requirement to register to 
                        vote or to vote, except as may be required when 
                        serving as a nonpartisan poll worker and 
                        applying uniform procedures to confirm 
                        individual's eligibility to cast a ballot under 
                        applicable laws.
                            (ii) A program that removes the names of 
                        ineligible voters from the official lists of 
                        eligible voters, except where a voter requests 
                        removal, is confirmed to have died or become 
                        ineligible by reason of incapacity or 
                        conviction, or is removed pursuant to the 
                        procedures set forth in section 8(d) of the 
                        National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 
                        U.S.C. 20507(d)).
                            (iii) A law which prohibits voter 
                        registration unless the voter submits 
                        documentary proof of citizenship.
                            (iv) A law which prohibits voter 
                        registration unless the information on a voter 
                        registration application is an exact match with 
                        information previously provided to the State or 
                        jurisdiction.
                            (v) Any law, policy, or activity that--
                                    (I) provides additional procedural 
                                or substantive prerequisites for 
                                registering to vote or voting; or
                                    (II) has the effect of discouraging 
                                or preventing any eligible voters from 
                                registering to vote or voting.

SEC. 109. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    Not later than March 1 of each odd numbered year, DemocracyCorps 
shall submit to Congress a report on the activities carried out by 
members in each State and jurisdiction during the preceding two-year 
period.

SEC. 110. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry 
out this title $1,100,000,000 for each of fiscal year beginning with 
fiscal year 2020.
    (b) Availability.--Funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization 
of appropriations in subsection (a) shall remain available until 
expended.

     TITLE II--SPECIAL RULES RELATING TO CERTAIN ELECTIONS IN 2020

SEC. 201. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL ELECTIONS IN 2020 RELATING 
              TO COVID-19.

    (a) Applicable Federal Election.--For purposes of this section, the 
term ``applicable Federal election'' means any election for Federal 
office which occurs on or after the date that is 60 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act and before January 1, 2021.
    (b) Requirements.--
            (1) In general.--In the case of any applicable Federal 
        election, each State and local jurisdiction shall--
                    (A) permit no-excuse mail-in absentee voting as 
                described in subsection (c); and
                    (B) establish a plan as described in subsection (d) 
                with respect to in-person voting, including during 
                early voting periods and on the day of the election.
            (2) Early voting and voter registration requirements.--For 
        additional requirements applicable to certain elections for 
        Federal office in 2020 and subsequent year, see sections 322 
        and 323 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (as added by title 
        III of this Act).
    (c) No-Excuse Mail-In Absentee Voting.--
            (1) In general.--No-excuse mail-in absentee voting meets 
        the requirements described in this subsection with respect to 
        an applicable Federal election, if the State--
                    (A) provides a no-excuse mail-in ballot to every 
                registered voter who requests such a ballot (or, in the 
                case of any State that does not register voters, to 
                every individual who is eligible to vote and requests 
                such a ballot);
                    (B) allows voters to request a mail-in ballot 
                online;
                    (C) if the State requires a signature for absentee 
                ballots, allows voters to sign the ballot by providing 
                a mark or signature stamp or by providing a signature 
                with the use of an assistant because of age, 
                disability, or other need;
                    (D) accepts and counts ballots received before the 
                state's certification deadline if the ballot--
                            (i) is postmarked by the date of the 
                        election; or
                            (ii) includes an indication that it was 
                        mailed by the date of the election;
                    (E) provides a pre-paid and self-sealing return 
                envelope for each ballot furnished by mail;
                    (F) beginning with the date that is 45 days before 
                the date of the election and ending with the time that 
                polls close on the date of the election, provides in-
                person, secured drop boxes;
                    (G) before discarding any absentee ballot for error 
                or technicalities (including the failure to meet any 
                signature matching requirement that is unrelated to 
                voter qualification)--
                            (i) notifies the voter of any such defects; 
                        and
                            (ii) provides the voter an opportunity to 
                        cure such defects that--
                                    (I) is uniform among all voters in 
                                the State; and
                                    (II) in the case of any error 
                                relating to a signature requirement, 
                                meets the requirements of paragraph 
                                (2);
                    (H) in the case of any voter with disabilities--
                            (i) provides the voter with access to 
                        Remote Access Vote By Mail (RAVBM) systems, 
                        ballot marking software, and screen reading 
                        software; and
                            (ii) allows the voter to receive assistance 
                        from a person of their choosing to complete and 
                        submit a mail-in ballot; and
                    (I) ensures adequate support for language minority 
                voters, including multilingual versions of vote-by-mail 
                materials and language assistance services.
            (2) Requirements relating to signature defects.--The 
        requirements of this paragraph relating to any defect described 
        in paragraph (1)(G)(ii)(II) are the following:
                    (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the 
                voter shall be allowed to cure the defect through the 
                same form of communication with respect to which the 
                notice of such defect is provided.
                    (B) In any case in which a required signature is 
                missing, the voter shall be provided an opportunity to 
                provide such signature on a form provided by the State.
                    (C) Any determination of the validity of the ballot 
                shall be made by a group of two or more election 
                officials.
                    (D) The voter shall have the opportunity to appeal 
                any rejection of the ballot based on the defect.
    (d) Plan To Implement CDC Guidance.--
            (1) In general.--The requirement described in this 
        subsection with respect to in person voting is met if the State 
        establishes a plan to ensure that polling places are 
        implementing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
        guidance relating to COVID-19 preparedness. Such plan must be 
        finalized and approved by the State within 30 days of the date 
        of enactment of this Act.
            (2) Minimum requirements.--At a minimum, a State plan 
        established under this subsection must include a plan--
                    (A) to keep as many voting locations as possible 
                open during the pandemic;
                    (B) to prepare polling locations to implement 
                social distancing protocols in lines and at voting 
                booths;
                    (C) to provide sufficient quantities of hygiene and 
                cleaning supplies at polling locations;
                    (D) to increase the number of--
                            (i) voting machines available at each 
                        polling place;
                            (ii) paper ballots and provisional ballots 
                        (including the numbers of such ballots that are 
                        translated, multilingual, or in-language 
                        ballots) available at each polling place; and
                            (iii) disposable ballot marking utensils 
                        available at each polling place;
                    (E) to provide masks and other personal protective 
                equipment to poll workers;
                    (F) to provide additional compensation to poll 
                workers during the pandemic;
                    (G) to increase the number of poll workers who can 
                reliably staff voting locations;
                    (H) to provide training to poll workers on pandemic 
                conditions and COVID-19 preparedness; and
                    (I) to educate voters on changes to procedures or 
                voting opportunities during the pandemic.
    (e) Private Right of Action.--Any person aggrieved by a violation 
of paragraph (1) of subsection (a) (relating to requirements for no-
excuse mail-in absentee voting) may bring an action for all appropriate 
remedies, including injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive 
damages, in a Federal district court of competent jurisdiction.
    (f) Payments to States To Carry Out Requirements.--
            (1) In general.--The Election Assistance Commission shall 
        makes a payment to each State to carry out the requirements 
        under this section. Such payments shall be made not later than 
        30 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
            (2) Amount of payment.--
                    (A) In general.--The amount of payment made to a 
                State under this subsection shall be the voting age 
                population proportion amount described in subparagraph 
                (B).
                    (B) Voting age population proportion amount.--
                            (i) In general.--The voting age population 
                        proportion amount described in this paragraph 
                        is the product of--
                                    (I) the amount made available for 
                                payments under paragraph (3) section; 
                                and
                                    (II) the voting age population 
                                proportion for the State (as defined in 
                                clause (ii)).
                            (ii) Voting age population proportion 
                        defined.--The term ``voting age population 
                        proportion'' means, with respect to any State, 
                        the amount equal to the quotient of--
                                    (I) the voting age population of 
                                the State (as determined by the most 
                                recent American Community Survey 
                                conducted by the Bureau of the Census); 
                                and
                                    (II) the total voting age 
                                population of all States (as determined 
                                by the most recent American Community 
                                Survey conducted by the Bureau of the 
                                Census).
            (3) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
        make payments under this subsection $2,500,000,000 for fiscal 
        year 2020.

SEC. 202. VOTING POLICY MODIFICATION NOTIFICATIONS.

    Not later than 4 weeks before the date of an election for Federal 
office, election administrators shall notify voters and the public by 
mailed notice and accessible publication online of any modifications to 
polling place locations, voter registration procedures, absentee ballot 
procedures, or deadlines for voter registration or submission of 
absentee ballots in such election made to account for COVID-19.

SEC. 203. GRANTS TO PROMOTE SAFE, ACCESSIBLE, AND EFFICIENT IN-PERSON 
              VOTING.

    (a) In General.--Subtitle D of title II of the Help America Vote 
Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21001 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
the following:

 ``PART VII--GRANT PROGRAM TO PROMOTE SAFE, ACCESSIBLE, AND EFFICIENT 
                            IN-PERSON VOTING

``SEC. 297. PAYMENTS TO STATES.

    ``(a) In General.--The Commission shall make a payment to each 
eligible State (as described in section 298(a)). Such payments shall be 
made not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this part.
    ``(b) Use of Funds.--An eligible State shall use the payment 
received under this part to carry out one or more of the authorized 
activities described in section 298(b) with respect to elections for 
Federal office.
    ``(c) Amount of Payment.--
            ``(1) In general.--The amount of payment made to an 
        eligible State under this section shall be the voting age 
        population proportion amount described in paragraph (2) plus 
        any additional amount determined by the Commission under 
        paragraph (3).
            ``(2) Voting age population proportion amount.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The voting age population 
                proportion amount described in this paragraph is the 
                product of--
                            ``(i) the aggregate amount made available 
                        for payments under this section minus the total 
                        of all of the additional payment amounts 
                        determined under paragraph (3); and
                            ``(ii) the voting age population proportion 
                        for the State (as defined in subparagraph (B)).
                    ``(B) Voting age population proportion defined.--
                The term `voting age population proportion' means, with 
                respect to an eligible State, the amount equal to the 
                quotient of--
                            ``(i) the voting age population of the 
                        State (as determined by the most recent 
                        American Community Survey conducted by the 
                        Bureau of the Census); and
                            ``(ii) the total voting age population of 
                        all States (as determined by the most recent 
                        American Community Survey conducted by the 
                        Bureau of the Census).
            ``(3) Determination of additional amount based on needs of 
        voting age population in state.--The Commission shall, with 
        respect to each eligible State, determine an amount of payment 
        for the State in addition to the amount determined under 
        paragraph (2) based on the needs of the voting age population 
        in the State. In determining such additional amount of payment 
        with respect to an eligible State, the Commission shall take 
        into account--
                    ``(A) the number of individuals with income below 
                250 percent of the poverty line applicable to a family 
                of the size involved (as determined under section 
                673(2) of the DemocracyCorps Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 
                9902(2));
                    ``(B) the number of citizens of voting age not 
                fluent in English, as calculated for the purpose of 
                administering section 203 of the Voting Rights Act (52 
                U.S.C. 10503);
                    ``(C) the number of individuals with a disability 
                as defined in section 3 of the Americans with 
                Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102);
                    ``(D) the number of individuals who live in a 
                nonmetropolitan area (as determined by the Bureau of 
                the Census); and
                    ``(E) the number of individuals who belong to an 
                Indian tribe (as such term is defined in section 4 of 
                the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance 
                Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)).
            ``(4) Distribution of funds to units of local government.--
        At least 80 percent of funds provided to a State under this 
        part shall be distributed to units of local government to carry 
        out one or more of the authorized activities described in 
        section 298(b) with respect to elections for Federal office.

``SEC. 298. ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENT; AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.

    ``(a) In General.--Each State that desires to receive a payment 
under this part shall submit a certification of intent to use such 
funds for at least one of the authorized activities described in 
subsection (b) with respect to elections for Federal office.
    ``(b) Authorized Activities Described.--Funds provided under this 
part shall be used for one or more of the following authorized 
activities:
            ``(1) Funding to ensure elections are accessible during 
        pandemic.--Ensuring voters can safely access polling sites 
        during the COVID-19 pandemic, including--
                    ``(A) expanding the number of voting locations, as 
                well as the days and hours of early in-person voting;
                    ``(B) providing mobile voting centers and temporary 
                voting stations, including advance notice of schedule 
                and locations;
                    ``(C) increasing the ratio of machines and poll 
                workers to voters in each precinct;
                    ``(D) preparing polling locations to implement 
                social distancing protocols in lines and voting booths;
                    ``(E) providing sufficient quantities of hygiene 
                and cleaning supplies, including materials to sanitize 
                voting machines after each use;
                    ``(F) increasing the number of paper ballots 
                available at each polling location;
                    ``(G) providing masks, gloves, and other personal 
                protective equipment to poll workers;
                    ``(H) increasing pay for poll workers during the 
                COVID-19 pandemic; and
                    ``(I) providing voter education on changes or 
                improvements to election procedures, accessibility, or 
                voting opportunities during the pandemic.
            ``(2) Funding to ensure elections are accessible to 
        individuals with disabilities during pandemic.--Ensuring voters 
        can safely register, access polling sites, and vote by mail 
        during the COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with this Act, the 
        Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et 
        seq.), the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped 
        Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ee et seq.), and other applicable law, by 
        improving polling place accessibility and providing 
        accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including--
                    ``(A) purchasing Remote Access Vote By Mail (RAVBM) 
                systems, ballot marking devices and software, and 
                screen reading software, and making them available to 
                voters with disabilities;
                    ``(B) equipping polling locations with technologies 
                that enable individuals with disabilities to privately 
                and independently mark, verify, and cast their ballots, 
                including through the availability of ballot marking 
                devices, headsets, controllers, and other assistive 
                devices;
                    ``(C) making permanent or temporary modifications 
                to render polling places accessible;
                    ``(D) ensuring appropriate polling place siting to 
                avoid locations that pose higher health risks to the 
                public;
                    ``(E) conducting analysis on polling place 
                reconfiguration to account for social distancing and 
                implementing changes;
                    ``(F) providing training for poll workers on how to 
                best serve individuals during the pandemic, including 
                training for serving individuals with disabilities;
                    ``(G) assessing the accessibility of election 
                websites and remediating any accessibility problems to 
                ensure voter information is clear and accessible; and
                    ``(H) providing fully accessible online voter 
                registration services.
            ``(3) Funding to ensure continuing protections for language 
        minority voters.--Ensuring continuing protections for language 
        minority voters, including--
                    ``(A) ensuring compliance with section 203 of the 
                Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. 10503)--
                            ``(i) with respect to vote-by-mail and new 
                        voter registration procedures; and
                            ``(ii) with respect to voting materials (as 
                        such term is defined in such section);
                    ``(B) ensuring adequate support for such 
                individuals (including for language minority voters who 
                do not reside in jurisdictions covered by section 203 
                of the Voting Rights Act), including through--
                            ``(i) language assistance hotlines in 
                        covered languages;
                            ``(ii) phone interpretation and interpreter 
                        services;
                            ``(iii) funding to produce, print, and 
                        distribute multi-lingual versions of materials;
                            ``(iv) enhancing in-language media 
                        advertising regarding polling place changes;
                            ``(v) recruiting and hiring bilingual or 
                        multilingual election workers; and
                            ``(vi) enhancing in-language media 
                        advertising regarding procedures for obtaining 
                        and returning mail-in ballots; and
                    ``(C) providing voter education on activities 
                carried out under this paragraph.
            ``(4) Funding to ensure voting access by american indian 
        and alaska native voters and rural voters.--Ensuring voting 
        access American Indian and Alaska Native voters and rural 
        voters, including--
                    ``(A) ensuring polling place availability within 20 
                miles of where voters live;
                    ``(B) providing transportation services for 
                American Indian, Alaska Native, and rural voters to 
                reach their nearest polling location;
                    ``(C) establishing in Indian country (as defined in 
                section 1151 of title 18, United States Code) and on 
                any land in Alaska owned pursuant to the Alaska Native 
                Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) polling 
                places that are open for voting days and hours 
                commensurate with polling place days and hours in urban 
                areas within the State;
                    ``(D) giving Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 
                of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
                Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) authority to designate 
                buildings that can be used as a residential address for 
                voter registration and for physical sites for ballot 
                pickup, drop-off, and collection;
                    ``(E) offering information in unwritten languages 
                or languages not widely used in written form, in 
                consultation with relevant Tribal governments;
                    ``(F) collecting ballots from remote polling 
                locations, ballot collection boxes, and tribally 
                designated buildings;
                    ``(G) carrying out any activities permitted under 
                paragraph (2) to improve accessibility for American 
                Indian and Alaska Native voters with disabilities; and
                    ``(H) providing voter education on the activities 
                carried out under this paragraph.
            ``(5) Curbside voting.--The implementation and promotion of 
        a curbside voting option to allow individuals to pick up 
        ballots, complete them, and return them to a poll worker from 
        their vehicles.
            ``(6) Funding to meet maximum wait time standard at polling 
        locations.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The implementation of standards 
                that reduce wait times at polling locations.
                    ``(B) Certification requirement.--In the case where 
                the State uses funds for purposes described in 
                subparagraph (A) with respect to an election for 
                Federal office, the State shall certify to the 
                Commission within 120 days of the election that wait 
                time standards were met in the State with respect to 
                such election.
            ``(7) Funding for publication of wait times.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The development or 
                implementation of an accessible, web-based platform for 
                the publication of wait times for voting in Federal 
                elections.
                    ``(B) Requirement.--If a State uses funds for a 
                purpose described in subparagraph (A), the State shall 
                take reasonable steps before using such platform in an 
                election for Federal office--
                            ``(i) to provide advance training to 
                        election workers regarding use of the platform;
                            ``(ii) to notify voters of the platform; 
                        and
                            ``(iii) to test and verify the security and 
                        functionality of the platform.
            ``(8) Methods to improve line management.--Implementing 
        standards to improve line management systems and polling place 
        management.
            ``(9) Standards for training and recruitment of poll 
        workers.--Providing for the training and recruitment of poll 
        workers, including--
                    ``(A) developing poll worker training curricula and 
                standards for serving individuals with disabilities and 
                language minority voters;
                    ``(B) ensuring that poll workers receive training, 
                which--
                            ``(i) may include remote training; and
                            ``(ii) may cover applicable Federal and 
                        State laws and regulations, recent changes in 
                        election laws and processes, election security 
                        and cyber vulnerabilities, ballot reviews, 
                        incident response, polling accessibility for 
                        language minorities and individuals with 
                        disabilities, and COVID-19 preparedness;
                    ``(C) expanding the number of election workers 
                hired;
                    ``(D) hiring individuals to serve as election 
                workers from among high school and college students 
                and, where feasible, compensating such individuals with 
                course credits; and
                    ``(E) hiring work-eligible non-citizens to satisfy 
                the need for bilingual poll workers.
            ``(10) Improving access to voter registration.--Improving 
        access to voter registration, including--
                    ``(A) authorizing and implementing same day 
                registration;
                    ``(B) ensuring that online voter registration 
                systems are in place and have the capacity to process 
                registration applications electronically;
                    ``(C) expanding online voter registration systems 
                to allow use by the maximum number of individuals, 
                including--
                            ``(i) by allowing individuals to register 
                        to vote without records in the department of 
                        motor vehicle system of the State by submitting 
                        their signatures online;
                            ``(ii) by digitally uploading a picture of 
                        the required signature;
                            ``(iii) by allowing individuals to provide 
                        the required signature when voting at the polls 
                        or when returning a mail-in ballot; or
                            ``(iv) by allowing individual to provide a 
                        required signature with a mark or signature 
                        stamp or through the use of an assistant 
                        because of age, disability, or other need;
                    ``(D) sending a voter registration mailer, 
                including a blank voter registration application, a 
                self-sealing prepaid return envelope, and instructions 
                on additional methods to register if the mailer is not 
                accessible, to all eligible individuals with State 
                records who are not currently registered to vote; and
                    ``(E) testing capacity to ensure that existing 
                online voter registration systems can withstand the 
                likely increase in usage.
    ``(c) Interagency Consultation.--Not later than 15 days after the 
date of enactment of this part, the Commission shall--
            ``(1) consult with the Centers for Disease Control and 
        Prevention on preventing transmission of COVID-19 at polling 
        places and election offices; and
            ``(2) consult with the Civil Rights Division of the 
        Department of Justice to ensure changes to voting procedures 
        made pursuant to this part are nondiscriminatory and comply 
        with applicable Federal laws, including this Act, the Americans 
        with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), the 
        Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (42 
        U.S.C. 1973ee et seq.), the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 
        U.S.C. 10301 et seq.), the National Voter Registration Act of 
        1993 (52 U.S.C. 20501 et seq.), and the Help America Vote Act 
        of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 20901 et seq.).

``SEC. 299. FUNDING; REPORTS.

    ``(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated, out of 
any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal 
year ending September 30, 2020, for making payments under this part, 
$3,600,000,000. Such amount shall be in addition to other amounts 
otherwise available for such purposes.
    ``(b) Reports.--Not later than one year after the applicable 
election for which a payment was provided under this part, each 
eligible State that received such funds shall submit a report to the 
Commission on the activities conducted using such payment and to 
substantiate authorized activities described in section 298(b) carried 
out using such funds. Not later than 30 days after receipt of such 
reports, the Commission shall transmit such reports to the Committee on 
Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committee on House 
Administration of the House of Representatives.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendments.--The table of contents of such Act is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 296 the 
following:

         ``Part VII--Grant Program To Protect In-Person Voting

``Sec. 297. Payments to States.
``Sec. 298. Eligibility for payment; authorized activities.
``Sec. 299. Funding; reports.''.

        TITLE III--ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL ELECTIONS

SEC. 301. VOTING BY MAIL IN FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

    (a) Requirements.--Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 
(52 U.S.C. 21081) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subtitle:

                 ``Subtitle C--Additional Requirements

``SEC. 321. PROMOTING ABILITY OF VOTERS TO VOTE BY MAIL.

    ``(a) In General.--If an individual in a State is eligible to cast 
a vote in an election for Federal office, the State may not impose any 
additional conditions or requirements on the eligibility of the 
individual to cast the vote in such election by mail, except to the 
extent that the State imposes a deadline for returning the ballot to 
the appropriate State or local election official.
    ``(b) Provision of Ballot Requested Materials.--Not later than 4 
weeks before the date of any election for Federal office, each State 
shall mail ballots to individuals who are registered to vote in such 
election.
    ``(c) Accessibility for Individuals With Disabilities.--All ballots 
provided under this section shall be accessible to individuals with 
disabilities in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access 
and participation (including for privacy and independence) as for other 
voters.
    ``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to affect the authority of States to conduct elections for 
Federal office through the use of polling places at which individuals 
cast ballots.
    ``(e) Effective Date.--A State shall be required to comply with the 
requirements of subsection (a) with respect to elections for Federal 
office held in years after 2020.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment Relating to Enforcement.--Section 401 of 
such Act (52 U.S.C. 21111) is amended by striking ``and 303'' and 
inserting ``303, and subtitle C of title III''.
    (c) Private Right of Action.--Title IV of the Help America Vote Act 
of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21111 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
following new section:

``SEC. 403. PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION FOR VIOLATIONS OF SUBTITLE C.

    ``(a) In General.--In the case of a violation of subtitle C of 
title III, section 402 shall not apply and any person who is aggrieved 
by such violation may provide written notice of the violation to the 
chief election official of the State involved.
    ``(b) Relief.--If the violation is not corrected within 20 days 
after receipt of a notice under subsection (a), or within 5 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, 
in a civil action, obtain declaratory or injunctive relief with respect 
to the violation.
    ``(c) Special Rule.--If the violation occurred within 5 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 involved 
under subsection (a) before bringing a civil action under subsection 
(b).''.
    (d) Conforming Amendment Relating to Voluntary Guidance by Election 
Assistance Commission.--Section 311(b) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 21101) is 
amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'';
            (2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) in the case of the recommendations with respect to 
        subtitle C, 1 year after the date of enactment of such 
        subtitle.''.
    (e) Clerical Amendments.--The table of contents of such Act is 
amended--
            (1) by inserting after the item relating to section 312 the 
        following:

                 ``Subtitle C--Additional Requirements

``Sec. 321. Promoting ability of voters to vote by mail.'';
        and
            (2) by inserting after the item relating to section 402 the 
        following:

``Sec. 403. Private right of action for violations of subtitle C.''.
    (f) Free Postage for Voting by Mail.--
            (1) In general.--Chapter 34 of title 39, United States 
        Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 3407. Ballots provided for voting in Federal elections
    ``Ballots mailed pursuant to section 303A(b) of the Help America 
Vote Act of 2002 (individually or in bulk) shall be carried 
expeditiously and free of postage.''.
            (2) Technical and conforming amendments.--
                    (A) Table of sections.--The table of sections for 
                chapter 34 of title 39, United States Code, is amended 
                by adding at the end the following:

``3407. Ballots provided for voting in Federal elections.''.
                    (B) Authorization of appropriations.--Section 
                2401(c) of title 39, United States Code, is amended by 
                striking ``3403 through 3406'' and inserting ``3403 
                through 3407''.

SEC. 302. REQUIREMENT TO ALLOW FOR EARLY VOTING.

    (a) In General.--Subtitle C of title III of the Help America Vote 
Act of 2002, as added by section 301, is amended by adding at the end 
the following new section:

``SEC. 322. AVAILABILITY OF EARLY VOTING.

    ``(a) In General.--Each State and jurisdiction shall, with respect 
to the general election occurring on November 3, 2020, and each 
subsequent election for Federal office--
            ``(1) allow individuals otherwise eligible to vote in such 
        election to vote in such election prior to the date of the 
        election through early voting which meets the requirements of 
        subsection (b); and
            ``(2) publicize the details of any voting allowed under 
        paragraph (1).
    ``(b) Early Voting.--Early voting meets the requirements of this 
subsection--
            ``(1) if such voting occurs--
                    ``(A) for a 20-day period preceding the date of the 
                election so that such days constitute consecutive 
                weekdays and include at least one weekend, which period 
                may end on a date chosen by the chief election official 
                of the State that is between the date of the election 
                and 4 days preceding such date; and
                    ``(B) for no less than 8 hours on each of the 20 
                days such early voting occurs; and
            ``(2) each early voting location in the State offers a 
        ballot drop-off box for voters to submit their voted and sealed 
        absentee ballots.
    ``(c) State.-- For purposes of this section, the term `State' 
includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 
Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendments.--The table of contents of such Act, as 
amended by section 301, is amended by inserting after the item relating 
to section 321 the following:

``Sec. 322. Availability of early voting.''.

SEC. 303. REQUIREMENT FOR ACCEPTANCE OF VOTER REGISTRATION 
              APPLICATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Subtitle C of title III of the Help America Vote 
Act of 2002, as added by section 301 and amended by section 302, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:

``SEC. 323. ACCEPTANCE OF VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS.

    ``(a) Availability of Online Registration and Correction of 
Existing Registration Information.--Each State, acting through the 
chief State election official, shall ensure that the following services 
are available to the public at any time on the official public websites 
of the appropriate State and local election officials in the State, in 
the same manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as the 
services provided by voter registration agencies under section 7(a) of 
the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20506(a)):
            ``(1) Online application for voter registration.
            ``(2) Online assistance to applicants in applying to 
        register to vote.
            ``(3) Online completion and submission by applicants of the 
        mail voter registration application form prescribed by the 
        Election Assistance Commission pursuant to section 9(a)(2) of 
        such Act (52 U.S.C. 20508(a)(2)).
            ``(4) Online receipt of completed voter registration 
        applications.
    ``(b) Requirements for Acceptance and Processing of Voter 
Registration Applications.--Each State and local jurisdiction shall--
            ``(1) accept voter registration applications submitted in 
        person, by mail, or online as described in subsection (a); and
            ``(2) process such voter registration applications at least 
        21 days prior to the date of an election for Federal office,
 except nothing this subsection shall preclude a State or local 
jurisdiction from allowing for the acceptance and processing of voter 
registration applications submitted or received after such required 
period.
    ``(c) Exception.--This section shall not apply with respect to any 
State or local jurisdiction that allows--
            ``(1) voter registration during early voting; or
            ``(2) same day voter registration.
    ``(d) Effective Date.--This section shall apply beginning on the 
date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of such Act is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 322, as added 
by section 302, the following new item:

``Sec. 323. Acceptance of voter registration applications.''.

                           TITLE IV--FUNDING

SEC. 401. SUSPENSION OF STATE MATCHING REQUIREMENT FOR ELECTION 
              SECURITY GRANTS PROVIDED UNDER THE CARES ACT.

    The matter under the heading ``Election security grants'' under the 
heading ``Election Assistance Commission'' under the heading 
``Independent agencies'' in title V of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2020, is amended by striking ``: Provided further, That not later 
than two years after receiving a payment under this heading, a State 
shall make available funds for such activities in an amount equal to 20 
percent of the total amount of the payment made to the State under this 
heading''.
                                 <all>