Proposed Rules for Elections During Emergencies
March 13, 2026
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The Frame
The bill defines the legal authority for election officials to alter voting procedures—such as changing polling locations or early voting rules—when a state of emergency is declared within 60 days of an election, directly impacting how and where residents cast their ballots.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Eligible voters
Voters may experience changes to polling locations, early voting availability, and ballot delivery methods during declared emergencies.
Supervisors of Elections
These officials are required to develop local contingency plans, participate in training, and manage emergency requests and equipment deployment.
Poll workers
Workers may be appointed under modified training requirements during emergency situations.
Certified voting system vendors
Vendors may enter into contracts with the state to provide emergency equipment within 24 hours.
Last recorded activity March 13, 2026.
Introduced.
Background
- The bill was introduced during the 2026 legislative session and underwent committee review before failing to advance. context
Summary
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my polling place is closed due to an emergency?
Can the Governor cancel an election?
How will I know if an election is rescheduled?
Why It Matters
The bill defines the legal authority for election officials to alter voting procedures—such as changing polling locations or early voting rules—when a state of emergency is declared within 60 days of an election, directly impacting how and where residents cast their ballots.
News Coverage
Lobbying Activity
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2026
“In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organizations for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of amending DHS appropriation riders to improve oversight and accountability on Department of Homeland security surveillance. In opposition to the SAVE America Act and requiring unnecessary barriers to voting. In support of increasing federal election security funding and identifying risks to election security and confidence posed by executive orders. In support of encouraging congressional members to uphold their legal duty to seat future lawfully elected members of Congress from the midterm elections. In support of reforms that strengthening the independence of the Judge Advocate General Corps through reforms of notification to Congress on before their termination. In support of reforms to protect independent legal advice within DoD and protect the non-political nature of the armed forces. In support of reforming the national emergencies framework to prevent executive abuses. Advocating in support of reforms that would prevent the executive branch from harming First Amendment rights of broadcasters. ”
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2026
“In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organizations for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of amending DHS appropriation riders to improve oversight and accountability on Department of Homeland security surveillance. In opposition to the SAVE America Act and requiring unnecessary barriers to voting. In support of increasing federal election security funding and identifying risks to election security and confidence posed by executive orders. In support of encouraging congressional members to uphold their legal duty to seat future lawfully elected members of Congress from the midterm elections. In support of reforms that strengthening the independence of the Judge Advocate General Corps through reforms of notification to Congress on before their termination. In support of reforms to protect independent legal advice within DoD and protect the non-political nature of the armed forces. In support of reforming the national emergencies framework to prevent executive abuses. Advocating in support of reforms that would prevent the executive branch from harming First Amendment rights of broadcasters. ”
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2025
“In support of increasing federal election security funding. In opposition to DC Home Rule Act being used for the extended federal takeover of the DC police. In support of a resolution ending the declared emergency in D.C. In opposition to arbitrary deployments of National Guard members to American cities. In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organization for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of the Protecting Our Democracy Act to address abuses of presidential power, election security and integrity, and improving the system of checks and balances. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act to prevent executive abuse. In support of exploring enhanced reporting requirements to the Defense Production Act and tariff issuance to prevent executive abuse. ”
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2025
“In opposition to threats against the judiciary that erode constitutional safeguards, including the JUDGES Act (H.R. 1702), the PEPPER Act (H.R. 1789), the NORRA Act (H.R. 1526), and the Nationwide Injunction Abuse Prevention Act. In support of more robust funding to protect Congressional Members, staff, and families but also greater transparency on the threats. In support of judiciary security amendments to the reconciliation bill, (H.R.1) In support of the MARSHALS Act (S.1873) to transfer oversight of the U.S. Marshals to the judicial branch. In support of the Protecting Our Democracy Act to prevent abuses of Presidential power, restoring checks and balances and accountability and transparency in government, and defending elections against foreign interference In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act. In opposition to the SAVE Act (H.R.22) and impediments to the right to vote. In support of federal election security funding. In opposition to the creation of a Sovereign Wealth Fund. In opposition to Executive impoundment of congressionally appropriated funds. In opposition to politicization of the armed forces. In support of more transparency around RIFs and protection of the federal civil service. In opposition to tax bill language designating non-profits as "supporters of terrorism." In opposition to reducing the funding of the Government Accountability Office. ”
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2025
“In support of an amendment to the constitution regarding the presidential pardon power. Advocating for sets of questions to be asked during DOJ and OPM nominations to produce concessions and straight answers from nominees that might threaten the rule of law. In opposition to executive impoundments of Congressionally appropriated funds. In support of Congress's power of the purse powers during reconciliation process. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act through H.R.3988, the Article One Act. In opposition of the SAVE Act. In opposition to decreasing federal election funding, including funding for protection of elections officias and CISA. In support of proper enforcement of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and proper use of recess appointments powers. In opposition to the Reorganization Act. In support of protecting the right to vote and preparation for/prevention of election subversion and certification issues. In support of educating Congressional members on preventing abuse of executive power, including restoring Congress as a meaningful check on executive authority. ”
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2024
“In support of proper enforcement of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and proper use of recess appointments powers. In support of increasing federal election funding, including funding for protection of elections officials. In support of the Right to Vote Act. In support of protecting the right to vote and preparation for/prevention of election subversion and certification issues. In support of reform to the Insurrections Act. In support of preventing abuse of executive power, including restoring Congress as a meaningful check on executive authority. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act. In opposition to H.R. 9495 (Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act) provision of empowering unilateral revocation of tax-exempt status of U.S. non-profits In opposition to Schedule F reforms weakening the federal civil work service. In support of the PRESS Act to protect journalists from court-ordered disclosure of sources in the absence of a threat of imminent violence or terrorism threat against the U.S. In support of checks against the weaponization of the Department of Justice In support of an amendment to the constitution regarding the presidential pardon power. ”
Protect Democracy United (fka UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2024
“In support of proper enforcement of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and proper use of recess appointments powers. In support of increasing federal election funding, including funding for protection of elections officials. In support of the Right to Vote Act. In support of protecting the right to vote and preparation for/prevention of election subversion and certification issues. In support of reform to the Insurrections Act. In support of preventing abuse of executive power, including restoring Congress as a meaningful check on executive authority. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act. In opposition to H.R. 9495 (Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act) provision of empowering unilateral revocation of tax-exempt status of U.S. non-profits In opposition to Schedule F reforms weakening the federal civil work service. In support of the PRESS Act to protect journalists from court-ordered disclosure of sources in the absence of a threat of imminent violence or terrorism threat against the U.S. In support of checks against the weaponization of the Department of Justice In support of an amendment to the constitution regarding the presidential pardon power. ”
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Centralization of Emergency Planning
The bill shifts election emergency management from a decentralized model to one requiring state-level approval for local changes and mandatory statewide contingency planning.
Connected Entities
Sources
openstates.org
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance85How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy60Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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