SJRES 186
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the fundamental right to vote.
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Bill overview
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would guarantee every U.S. citizen of legal voting age the fundamental right to vote in any public election where they reside. The amendment also states that this right cannot be denied or limited unless it serves a significant government purpose and is the least restrictive way to achieve that purpose. Specifically, it seeks to remove a section of the Fourteenth Amendment that previously allowed for the denial of voting rights based on criminal convictions.
Key provisions
- Guarantees the fundamental right to vote for all U.S. citizens of legal voting age residing in a jurisdiction.
- Prohibits denial or abridgment of voting rights unless it serves a compelling government interest and uses the least restrictive means.
- Repeals a portion of the Fourteenth Amendment related to denying voting rights based on crime.
- Grants Congress the power to enforce the amendment and protect voting rights through legislation.
Who is affected
- U.S. Citizens
- State and Local Governments
- Individuals with Felony Convictions
- Election Officials
- Legislatures of the United States
Notable changes
- Eliminates the constitutional basis for denying voting rights to individuals convicted of crimes.
- Expands voting rights to include all U.S. citizens residing in a jurisdiction.
Sponsors
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Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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119th CONGRESS — 2d Session
S. J. RES. 186
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the fundamental right to vote.
That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States:
Every citizen of the United States, who is of legal voting age, shall have the fundamental right to vote in any public election held in the jurisdiction in which the citizen resides.
The fundamental right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State or political subdivision within a State unless such denial or abridgment is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
The portion of section 2 of the fourteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States that consists of the phrase or other crime,
is repealed.
The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article and protect against any denial or abridgement of the fundamental right to vote by legislation.