House bill would let voters sue federal officials for election rights violations
In committeeH.R. 8858Latest action
Sponsor: Seth Moulton · Representative · MA
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Official title: Protecting American Voters’ Rights Act
119th Congress
Topics: Rights & liberties
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8858 would expand Section 1983 to let Americans sue federal officials who violate their constitutional voting rights.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8858 would expand an existing federal law, Section 1983, which currently allows people to sue state and local government officials for constitutional rights violations. The bill would extend that same legal authority to cover federal officials specifically in cases involving voting and elections. This would give voters a more direct legal path than the more complicated routes currently available for suing federal officials.
Who does it affect?
Any American who believes a federal election or election enforcement official has violated their constitutional voting rights would be affected. Federal officials who oversee elections and enforcement would also be affected, as they could face personal lawsuits under this expanded law.
Why does it matter?
Extending Section 1983 to federal officials would create a new legal avenue for challenging federal actions related to elections that voters believe are unconstitutional. Federal election officials would become personally subject to lawsuits in cases where no such direct legal tool currently exists.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 15, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.