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Congress·In Committee·about 1 month ago

House Republicans' Make Elections Great Again Act Would Ban Universal Mail-In Voting, Require Photo ID

Also known as: Make Elections Great Again Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • Voters would be required to show a physical photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to vote in person. Those voting by mail would need to provide a copy of their ID or their Social Security number. To help, states would offer free use of printers and scanners at public buildings like libraries and police stations.
  • New residents would have to provide official proof of U.S. citizenship, like a birth certificate, to register to vote. States would also be required to update their voter lists every 30 days to remove people who are no longer eligible, such as those who have moved, passed away, or are not citizens.
  • The bill would end universal mail-in voting, meaning states could no longer automatically mail ballots to everyone. Instead, voters would need to request a ballot at least 30 days before an election. Most mail-in ballots would also have to arrive by the time polls close on Election Day to be counted.
  • It would become illegal for most people to collect and turn in more than four mail-in ballots for others. There are exceptions for family members and professional caregivers. This is intended to ensure that each voter is responsible for their own ballot and to prevent others from handling large numbers of votes.
  • The policy would ban ranked choice voting for federal offices, which is a system where voters list candidates in order of preference. Additionally, all voting machines would be required to use paper ballots that voters can verify themselves before their vote is officially recorded.
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Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 30, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Jan 30, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

January 2027

New photo ID, citizenship proof, and mail-in ballot rules take effect for federal elections

Starting with 2027 elections, voters would need to show photo ID at the polls, provide documentary proof of citizenship to register, and request mail-in ballots in advance rather than receiving them automatically. States that aren't ready could get a one-year extension to January 2028.

30 days after enactment

Ban on ranked choice voting and paper ballot mandate take effect

States using ranked choice voting in federal elections, like Alaska and Maine, would have to stop. All voting systems for federal elections would need to use voter-verified paper ballots. These changes would apply 30 days after the bill becomes law.

January 2027

States must complete computerized statewide voter registration lists

Every state would need a single centralized digital voter registration system that is regularly cross-checked with DHS, Social Security, and motor vehicle databases to verify citizenship and eligibility. States not ready by January 2027 can get a waiver to January 2028.

Related News

3 articles
News From The States·24 days ago

Republican policies proposed in Congress could upend Colorado elections

Colorado officials warned that the MEGA Act would upend the state's established mail-voting system. The bill mandates photo ID and proof of citizenship, which opponents say would dismantle accessible voting methods like automatic mail-in ballots.

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NBC Montana·19 days ago

Make Elections Great Again Act expands GOP push for federal election overhaul

A House hearing focused on the MEGA Act, with Chairman Bryan Steil calling the reforms 'common-sense' measures to restore public confidence. The bill would limit mail-in ballots to those who specifically request them and require a clear paper trail.

C=
The Maine Wire·4 days ago

Shenna Bellows Criticizes Make Elections Great Again Act as 'Unconstitutional' Move

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows slammed the MEGA Act as an 'unconstitutional' attempt to disenfranchise voters. The bill would prohibit Maine's ranked-choice voting system and mandate that all mail-in ballots arrive by Election Day to be counted.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Make Elections Great Again Act

Bill NumberHR 7300
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(59)
R: 59

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.