Original Students Voicing Opinions in Today’s Elections (VOTE) Act

# Summary of HR 126: Original Students Voicing Opinions in Today's Elections (VOTE) Act **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would create a pilot program that gives federal funding to local schools during 2025 to help 12th-grade students register to vote. Schools would receive money from the Election Assistance Commission (a federal agency) to develop programs that teach high schoolers about voter registration. Schools would be required to work with state and local election officials when creating these programs to ensure accuracy and compliance. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects high school seniors and their schools. Local school districts would receive funding to implement these voter registration initiatives, and state and local election officials would be involved in the planning process.

Ultimately, it aims to increase voter participation among young people by making registration information more accessible in schools. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas. The bill focuses on civics education and election administration without proposing changes to voting eligibility or election rules themselves.