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HR 9815

Federal Bureau of Prisons Voting Assistance Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Eleanor Holmes Norton and 1 co-sponsor

Requires federal prisons to inform and assist eligible inmates in states allowing in-custody voting, including providing registration info, forms, and support before elections.

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E716)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9815

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes the Federal Bureau of Prisons Voting Assistance Act of 2026 to ensure incarcerated individuals in federal custody receive information and assistance to participate in elections to the extent allowed by state laws.
  • Aims to improve access to voter registration and absentee ballot processes for inmates who reside in states that permit voting while in prison, and to provide parallel information and tools to facility staff coordinating the effort.

Key Provisions

  • Information Dissemination (a)

    • Not later than 90 days before any Federal, State, or local election, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons must send:
    • To each inmate (through TRULINCS or successor platform) who is or was a resident of a State that allows voting in custody:
      • Information on how to register to vote.
      • Information on how to request an absentee ballot.
    • To each Re-entry Affairs Coordinator at every Federal correctional facility:
      • Criteria for voter registration for each State that allows in-custody voting.
      • Instructions on voter registration for those States.
      • Printed voter registration forms for each such State.
      • Prepaid envelopes for voter registration forms (as provided by the respective State Bureau of Elections).

  • Publication and Delivery (b)

    • Federal correctional facilities must make the information available to inmates, including physical postings.
    • The Bureau of Prisons must publish the information on its internet website.
    • Re-entry Affairs Coordinators must deliver the information to eligible inmates who are residents of states permitting in-custody voting.

  • Language Accessibility (c)

    • Information must be provided in English and Spanish if the relevant State provides materials in both languages.

  • Disability Support (d)

    • The Director must provide assistance to inmates needing help with voter registration due to a recognized disability.

  • Definition (e)

    • “State” includes the United States, District of Columbia, and any U.S. commonwealth, territory, or possession.

Affected Parties

  • Incarcerated individuals in Federal custody who reside in States that permit voting while incarcerated.
  • Re-entry Affairs Coordinators at Federal correctional facilities (facility-level staff responsible for inmate re-entry planning and related services).
  • The Bureau of Prisons (data dissemination, messaging, and support responsibilities).
  • State election authorities and, where applicable, their voter registration materials and prepaid envelopes (via cooperation and provision of forms).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Timing: Information must be sent not later than 90 days before each Federal, State, or local election.
  • Delivery channels: TRULINCS (or successor) for inmates; physical postings within facilities; Bureau of Prisons website; printed forms and prepaid envelopes provided to inmates via coordinators.
  • Language considerations: Dual-language provision (English and Spanish) aligned with State offerings.
  • Disability considerations: Proactive support for inmates with recognized disabilities in voter registration processes.

Practical Impact

  • Creates a standardized federal requirement to inform and assist eligible inmates about voter registration and absentee voting options, potentially increasing participation among inmates in states where voting in custody is allowed.
  • Improves coordination between prison administration and state election processes by supplying state-specific registration criteria and forms through the Re-entry Affairs Coordinators.
  • Adds a disability-accessibility component to facilitate registration for inmates with special needs.
  • Requires ongoing compliance and publication efforts by the Bureau of Prisons and facility staff, with emphasis on timely dissemination ahead of elections.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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