Faking federal ballot paperwork would become a felony under new House bill
In committeeH.R. 8977Latest action
Sponsor: Michael Lawler · Representative · NY
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: EFFIE Act
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8977 makes fraudulent ballot access filings for federal elections a felony carrying up to 5 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
60-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8977, the EFFIE Act, would create a specific federal felony under the Federal Election Campaign Act for knowingly faking or falsifying ballot access documents required to get a candidate onto a federal election ballot. This covers petition signatures and other official paperwork candidates must submit to qualify for offices such as Congress or the presidency. The bill was introduced in May 2026 and referred to two House committees for review.
Who does it affect?
The law would apply to candidates running for federal office and anyone working for their campaigns, including paid agents and staff. Everyday voters face no new direct requirements under the bill.
Why does it matter?
While ballot fraud of this kind may already be prosecuted under state laws or general federal fraud statutes, this bill would give federal authorities a dedicated, clearly defined legal tool specifically for misconduct in federal races. Adding the offense to the Federal Election Campaign Act is intended to affect who appears on ballots and to protect the integrity of the ballot access process.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Fine up to $250,000 per conviction
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Fines paid by convicted individual
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 21, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 21, 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 Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.