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Swalwell Amendments to Improve Election Security and Student Access to Polls Included in H.R. 1

March 4, 2021

This sweeping package of pro-democracy and anti-corruption reforms puts power back in the hands of the American people.

WASHINGTON DC - Yesterday, Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) joined House Democrats in passing H.R. 1, the For the People Act, a sweeping anti-corruption package to clean up Washington, protect and expand voting rights, restore integrity to government and put the needs and priorities of the American people ahead of special interests. Included in H.R. 1 are three Swalwell amendments adopted by the House that bolster election security, and improve students' access to the polls.

"Republican efforts in state houses across America to limit access to the polls underscores the fragility of our democracy," said Swalwell. "That's why I was proud to vote yes on H.R. 1 last night."

The For The People Act is the most comprehensive democracy reform legislation in more than four decades. Swalwell's election security amendment directly addresses some of the deceptive tactics used in the last election to mislead voters. It clarifies that individuals operating fake polling places or drop boxes are in violation of the underlying bill's provision which makes it a crime to interfere with or prevent another person from registering to vote. His other amendments put Congress on record opposing efforts to intimidate or engage in deceptive practices to dissuade students from exercising their right to vote in their college towns, and require schools to make voting information more accessible to students online and through social media.

Key provisions of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, include:

  • Expanding automatic voter registration and same day registration.
  • Strengthening vote by mail, early voting and ballot access.
  • Combating voter intimidation and voter suppression.
  • Protecting elections from foreign interference.
  • Fixing partisan gerrymandering.
  • Promoting digital ad transparency.
  • Forcing disclosure of dark money.
  • Reining in lobbyist influence.
  • Enforcing ethics and conflict of interest rules for all government officials.

See here for more information about H.R. 1.