Congresswoman Laurel Lee Introduces 'Ballots by Election Day Act' to Mandate Federal Ballot Receipt by Election Day
Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) has introduced the 'Ballots by Election Day Act,' a companion bill to Senator Ashley Moody’s (R-Fla.) earlier legislation. This bill aims to amend the 'Help America Vote Act of 2002' by requiring all federal election ballots, including absentee and mail-in ballots, to be received by the appropriate election official by the end of Election Day. The proposed legislation would prohibit states from accepting any ballots after this deadline, with the sole exception of ballots cast by absent uniformed services voters or overseas voters. The bill's provisions are intended to apply to federal elections held in 2027 and beyond. Congresswoman Lee emphasized that Florida has successfully implemented similar measures for many years, ensuring organized elections and timely results without denying any voter the right to vote. She clarified that the bill does not limit mail-in voting but rather establishes a clear deadline for ballot receipt. 
