All registered voters would receive mail ballots under Senate bill S 1887

What does this do?

S 1887 would require all states to mail ballots to every registered voter at least two weeks before federal elections, covering races for president, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House. Return postage for completed ballots would be free, and states could not impose extra rules that block a voter from choosing mail over in-person voting. The bill also makes voter registration at the DMV automatic for eligible citizens who show proof of U.S. citizenship, unless they opt out, and links address updates at the DMV to voter registration records.

Who does it affect?

All U.S. voters, state and local election offices, and the U.S. Postal Service would be affected. Eligible citizens who visit the DMV and non-citizens who could be registered by error are also directly covered by the bill's provisions.

Why does it matter?

Voters in states that currently do not allow no-excuse mail voting would gain that option under federal mandate. State and local election offices would need to update how they print, mail, and process ballots, and the DMV automatic registration process would require changes to how those agencies share data.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Return postage free for voters
• Who pays postage not specified

Where does it stand?