Senate resolution seeks constitutional right to vote

What does this do?

This resolution proposes a new constitutional amendment that would give every U.S. citizen of legal voting age a fundamental right to vote in local public elections. No federal, state, or local government could restrict that right unless it could prove a critically important reason and show its restriction was the least burdensome option possible. The proposal would also limit states' ability to take away voting rights from people with felony convictions.

Who does it affect?

The amendment would affect all U.S. citizens of legal voting age. To become law, it would need approval from two-thirds of both the Senate and House of Representatives, then ratification by at least three-fourths of all state legislatures.

Why does it matter?

If passed, governments that want to restrict voting would face a very high legal standard to justify those restrictions. States would also lose some of their current authority to strip voting rights from people convicted of certain crimes.

Where does it stand?