People could ask federal courts to stop election interference

People harmed by covered election interference could seek a federal court ruling or order to prevent or stop it. This would cover violations of three federal laws concerning troops at polls, armed forces interference, and voter intimidation. A judge could award reasonable legal fees and litigation costs to the winning side, except the federal government.

State and federal police would face restrictions on seizing covered election records and equipment. The rule would cover materials governed by the federal election recordkeeping law referenced in the bill. A federal judge where the materials are located could allow seizure with clear and convincing evidence—a strong showing—that they risk being destroyed. Materials removed under that exception would remain in shared custody with a court-selected election officer. Anyone controlling seized materials would have to track custody and allow access to the election official they were taken from.

Prosecutors would have to file charges for covered election crimes within nine years. The deadline would cover three election interference laws and offenses under the specified sections of the Voting Rights Act and National Voter Registration Act. Charges would have to be filed no later than nine years after the offense occurred.

States could receive federal grants to set up and run ballot-tracking programs. Programs would cover mailed and absentee ballots in federal elections. Grants would depend on Congress providing money. Programs would track ballot receipt and give voters ballot updates. Programs would make mailing and counting information available to political parties and voter registration groups at cost, under state rules, to help return or fix ballots during the ballot-return period. The bill would authorize $50 million for fiscal year 2027, with any money provided available until spent.