The Equal Voices Act would set the number of U.S. House members using the total population counted in each decennial census, divided by 500,000 and rounded to the nearest whole odd number. The resulting seats would be apportioned among the states. The changes would apply starting with the first regular census after enactment.
States could choose to elect their House members from multi-member districts, with equal population per representative as nearly as practicable. A state using multi-member districts could also choose ranked choice voting under rules set by the act. If the House size calculated after a census differs by 15 percent or more from the prior census result, a commission would analyze the apportionment and recommend a House size and allocation. The bill also authorizes funding for additional House space, facilities, staff, and other resources, without specifying an amount.
If enacted, the size of the House would be recalculated after each decennial census under the bill's formula. Your state could choose multi-member districts and, if it does, could also choose ranked choice voting for those elections. The bill does not require states to make either choice.
The bill authorizes appropriations for additional space, facilities, personnel, and other resources that may be needed. It does not state a specific amount.
The bill's findings say that smaller constituencies may help representatives connect with constituents and better reflect their views. The findings also argue that the House has not grown with the population and that district sizes vary among states. No publicly available information identifies specific proponents' statements beyond the bill's findings.
No publicly available information.