Federal bill would cap voting wait times at 30 minutes nationwide

What does this do?

The POLL Act would set a federal rule limiting wait times in federal elections to 30 minutes. States would be required to publish pre-election plans and meet minimum staffing and equipment standards at polling locations. Voters who wait more than 30 minutes could sue in federal court and receive at least $50, with higher amounts if a court finds intentional vote suppression.

Who does it affect?

The bill affects all voters in federal elections and the state and local election administrators who run them. The federal Election Assistance Commission and the Attorney General would gain new oversight and enforcement roles.

Why does it matter?

Jurisdictions where voters waited more than 60 minutes could be placed under a remedial plan overseen by the Attorney General. The bill would also bar top state election officials from actively participating in federal campaigns for races they oversee unless they fully recuse themselves from running that election.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Up to $500M/year in federal funds to states
• Voter damages start at $50 per violation
• Suppression finding raises award to $650