HR5903-119

What This Bill Does

The Pre-Registration Of Voters Everywhere Act, or PROVE Act, adds a new National Voter Registration Act section 8A. Each State must implement a process allowing a State resident to apply to register for federal elections once the individual turns 16. If the applicant is not yet 18 but would be eligible to vote if 18, the State must ensure the individual is registered for federal elections held on or after the date the individual turns 18. States may choose to make the process available to people younger than 16. The pre-registration amendment takes effect 90 days after enactment. The bill also authorizes Election Assistance Commission grants for eligible States to increase involvement of individuals under 18 in public election activities. State plans must promote use of the new pre-registration process, modify secondary school curricula to promote civic engagement, and may include other youth electoral activities. State applications must include plans, performance measures, targets, information, and assurances required by the Commission. Grant funds are used over an agreed two-year period, followed by a State report within six months analyzing performance against the application's measures and targets. The bill authorizes $25 million for the grants, available until expended.

Who Benefits and How

Sixteen- and seventeen-year-old future voters benefit because they can pre-register and automatically become registered for federal elections once eligible at age 18. States building youth civic engagement programs benefit from EAC grants and a defined two-year funding period. Secondary school students benefit if curricula are modified to promote civic engagement and explain voter pre-registration. Election administrators benefit from clearer federal rules for pre-registration timing and grant performance measures.

Who Bears the Burden and How

State election offices must implement pre-registration processes, update forms and systems, and ensure pre-registered minors become active federal voters when eligible. State education and election officials must design civic engagement plans and curriculum modifications to qualify for grants. The Election Assistance Commission must review applications, administer grants, set performance requirements, and receive State reports. Federal taxpayers bear the cost of the $25 million grant authorization.

Key Provisions

• Amends the National Voter Registration Act to require State pre-registration for federal elections beginning when a resident turns 16.
• Requires States to ensure pre-registered minors become registered for federal elections held on or after they turn 18.
• Permits States to offer pre-registration to individuals younger than 16.
• Authorizes EAC grants for State plans promoting pre-registration, secondary school civic engagement curriculum changes, and other youth electoral activities.
• Requires State grant applications with performance measures and State reports within six months after the two-year grant period.
• Authorizes $25 million for the grants, available until expended.