Media Center

Today, Congressman David Scott announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 6807, the VoteSafe Act, critical legislation to safeguard the fundamental right to vote for eligible Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The VoteSafe Act would authorize $5 billion in federal grants to expand vote-by-mail and early voting and to improve the safety of in-person voting during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would require states (1) to implement a no-excuse mail in voting system so that every registered voter can receive an Absentee Ballot, and (2) to ensure a 20-day early voting period that includes at least one Saturday and one Sunday in which operating hours are extended. 

“The whole country watched as Georgians endured long lines and malfunctioning voting machines while trying to vote in the primary election earlier this month. This was unacceptable. Free and fair elections are the bedrock of American democracy, giving voice to voters in the political process and ensuring that the diversity of America is represented at all levels of government.  When our elections are under attack and when access to the polls is denied, Congress must act to restore faith in our democratic processes.  I am a proud cosponsor of the VoteSafe Act to help states expand voting options and maintain healthy and safe polling places during this pandemic,” stated Rep. Scott.

The VoteSafe Act authorizes grant funding for:

• Expanding the number of voting locations;
• Increasing the ratio of machines to voters;
• Preparing locations to accommodate social distancing protocols; and
• Providing PPE to poll workers.