National bill on voting standards pushed anew by Democrats in Congress

Congressional Democrats on Tuesday said they plan to again introduce a bill to set national voting standards in response to state legislatures passing strict voting laws. The bill, known as the Freedom to Vote Act, would establish national standards for early voting, mail-in ballots and protection of poll workers and volunteers from harassment. It provides funds for states to purchase updated voter machines and cybersecurity updates, among other initiatives. “Democracy is facing unprecedented threats like we have not seen in more than a century,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said. “MAGA Republicans prove the need for this legislation time and time again.” The bill, whose lead House sponsor is Maryland Rep. John Sarbanes (D), also would require super political action committees to disclose their donors and tackles gerrymandering by establishing criteria for nonpartisan congressional redistricting.