This bill aims to reduce long wait times at polling places during federal elections. It requires states to ensure voters wait no more than 30 minutes to cast their vote, and provides funding to help states meet this standard. The bill also prohibits certain state election officials from participating in political campaigns.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill aims to reduce long wait times at polling places during federal elections. It requires states to ensure voters wait no more than 30 minutes to cast their vote, and provides funding to help states meet this standard. The bill also prohibits certain state election officials from participating in political campaigns.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p> <strong></strong><b>People Over Long Lines Act or the POLL Act</b></p> <p>This bill sets forth provisions related to voting and the administration of federal elections.</p> <p>Specifically, the bill requires states to ensure that voters wait no more than 30 minutes at any polling place to cast their vote in a federal election, establishes a private right of action for voters who experience longer waiting times, and directs the Election Assistance Commission to make payments to eligible states to prevent unreasonable waiting times.</p> <p>Next, the bill requires each state to provide for the minimum required number of voting systems, poll workers, and other election resources for each polling location on the day of any federal election and each day of early voting. The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division must issue uniform standards regarding the minimum number and distribution of such systems, workers, and other resources. </p> <p>The bill also prohibits a chief state election administration official from taking an active part in political management or in a political campaign with respect to any federal election over which the official has supervisory authority, with certain exceptions.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires states to limit voter wait times to 30 minutes or less at polling places during federal elections.
Establishes a private right of action for voters who experience longer wait times.
Directs the Election Assistance Commission to provide funding to states to prevent unreasonable waiting times.
Requires a minimum number of voting systems, poll workers, and other election resources at each polling location.
Prohibits certain state election officials from taking an active part in political campaigns.
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would directly impact all voters in federal elections by ensuring they can cast their ballots in a timely manner. It would also affect state and local election officials, who would be required to provide adequate resources to polling places. If enacted, this could lead to shorter lines and faster voting experiences for millions of Americans.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Government Operations and Politics
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
5291, 119th Congress (2025). "Merchant Banking Modernization Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5291
