On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a sweeping election reform bill that would make it easier for Americans to vote and make it harder for states to restrict access to the ballot box. The bill, known as the For the People Act, passed by a vote of 220-210, with all Democrats voting in favor and all Republicans voting against.
The bill would require states to offer same-day voter registration, automatic voter registration, and at least 15 days of early voting. It would also make it easier for people to vote by mail, and would require states to provide prepaid postage for mail-in ballots. The bill would also create a new public financing system for congressional campaigns, and would require presidential candidates to disclose their tax returns.
The bill is seen as a major victory for Democrats, who have long pushed for election reform. Republicans, however, have argued that the bill is an attempt to federalize elections and give Democrats an unfair advantage.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to face stiff opposition from Republicans. If the bill passes the Senate, it would then need to be signed into law by President Biden.
The passage of the bill is a major step forward for those who have long advocated for election reform. It is a sign that the United States is moving towards a more equitable and accessible voting system, and that the right to vote is being taken seriously.