STEADFAST Act

Summary#

This bill replaces the presidential public campaign financing program with a federal grant program to help States improve the security of voting systems. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) would run the program and create an Election Security Fund. States must apply with a plan, certify that they do not allow noncitizen voting, and agree to report how funds are used. Eligible uses include buying and modernizing voting equipment, cybersecurity for voting systems, physical security for stored equipment, paper ballots and ballot security measures, and protecting electronic poll books. Funds may not be used for most training (except training on equipment use) or for litigation or judgments.

The bill requires the EAC to certify vendors. The EAC may not certify a vendor that directly provided funds to a State or local government to support federal election administration. The EAC must publish a list of qualified vendors within 90 days of enactment and provide public information on the program and fund within 180 days. The bill gives priority for payments to States that use voter-verifiable paper ballots, check for noncitizen registrations using specified verification systems, and require certain forms of photo identification at polling places.

Payments to States would be proportional to each State's share of registered voters. The tax form checkbox now used to designate amounts to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund would be changed to designate amounts to the Election Security Fund. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund and the primary matching payment account would be terminated, and remaining funds would be transferred into the new Election Security Fund.

What it means for you#

  • If you vote: your State may get federal money to update voting machines, use paper ballots, add security steps, or strengthen electronic poll books.
  • If you are a State or local election official: you must submit an application with a plan, certify noncitizen voting rules, follow spending limits, and file public reports on use of funds. Some training costs and legal costs are not allowed.
  • If you are a vendor: you must be certified by the EAC to receive program funds. The EAC cannot certify vendors that directly provided funds to States or local governments for federal election administration.
  • If you file taxes: the tax form designation that once supported presidential public financing will instead support this Election Security Fund.

Expenses#

  • Funding source: amounts designated by individual taxpayers on their income tax returns will be transferred to the Election Security Fund. The bill also provides an appropriation equal to designated amounts so funds remain available without fiscal year limits.
  • Administration: the EAC may use up to 5 percent of the Fund each year for administrative expenses.
  • Distribution: payments to eligible States are allocated by each State's share of registered voters as reported to the EAC.
  • Restrictions: funds cannot be used for litigation, judgments, or most training (except equipment use training).
  • Transition: remaining balances from the terminated presidential public financing accounts are to be transferred into the Election Security Fund.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.