HR 1467
POLE Act
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Bill overview
The Protecting Our Local Elections Act (POLE Act) aims to ensure that states receiving federal election funds allow local governments to hold elections for local offices in odd-numbered years. This bill prohibits states from receiving these funds if they do not have laws permitting local odd-year elections. The legislation emphasizes the importance of local elections and voter engagement in community matters. It seeks to shift the focus of elections to local candidates and issues.
Key provisions
- Prohibits states from receiving federal election administration funds.
- Requires states to allow local governments to hold elections for local offices in odd-numbered years.
- Applies to elections for Federal, State, and local office.
- The prohibition begins to apply for fiscal year 2027.
- Adds a new section (907) to Title IX of the Help America Vote Act.
- Includes a clerical amendment to the table of contents.
- References findings regarding the benefits of odd-year local elections.
- Expresses Congress’s sense that local governments should have the authority to conduct elections for local office in odd-numbered years.
Who is affected
- States
- Local governments
- Voters
- Federal Election Administration
- Election administrators
Notable changes
- Creates a financial penalty for states that do not allow local odd-year elections.
- Shifts the timing of elections for local offices.
Sponsors
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Primary sponsor
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 1467
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit the use of Federal funds for the administration of elections for Federal, State, or local office in States which do not have in effect laws to permit units of local government to hold elections for local office in odd-numbered years, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Protecting Our Local Elections Act POLE Act
or the
.
Local elections held in odd-numbered years allow voters to make more informed decisions about their local representation.
Holding all elections in even-numbered years diminishes the attention given to community matters.
Holding all elections in even-numbered years overcrowds the ballot, hindering the decision-making process for voters.
Local elected officials directly serve their immediate communities and needs.
Local leaders played a vital role in the founding of the United States.
Local governments are at the core of our Nation’s republic.
It is the sense of Congress that—
local elections held in odd-numbered years ensure that local candidates and issues receive greater attention and allow voters to make well-informed choices; and
the most effective form of representation is attained through local governance.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal funds may be provided under this Act or any other Act to administer an election for Federal, State, or local office held in a State which does not have in effect a law which permits units of local government in the State to hold elections for local office in odd-numbered years.
The table of contents of such Act is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to title IX the following:
The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2027 and each succeeding fiscal year.