H.R. 738 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on House Administration, Jan 24, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryExpands mail-in voting rights in federal elections
This bill would let eligible voters cast ballots by mail in federal elections without extra conditions beyond a deadline. States could still require voters to request mail ballots and set deadlines for returning them, but couldn't add other requirements. The bill also requires states to notify voters if there's a problem with their mail ballot and give them a chance to fix it.
How it affects you
If you're eligible to vote, this would make it easier to vote by mail in federal elections—you wouldn't have to meet extra requirements that some states currently impose. You'd also get notice if there's an issue with your ballot and a chance to correct it before it's rejected.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jan 24, 2025)
Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025
This bill expands voting by mail in federal elections.
Specifically, the bill prohibits states from imposing on eligible voters additional conditions or requirements to cast ballots by mail in federal elections, except states may impose a deadline for requesting the ballot and related voting materials and for returning a ballot.
The bill also requires states to provide individuals with notice and opportunity to cure discrepancies or defects with their absentee or mail-in ballots.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 738
A BILL
Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR-6) · Introduced Jan 24, 2025 · Government Operations and Politics · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jan 24, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.”