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Voting history · Washington

Washington

A dated list of changes to how Americans vote: district maps, polling places and drop boxes, voting laws and rules, and courts and election officials. Each entry says who did what and when, shows what became of it, and links to the page it rests on. Attempts that failed are listed as failed. Entries that rest on a news report name the outlet.

This is the state view: events recorded for Washington, then national events that apply here. See the national timeline.

Congressional districts in Washington

Choose a district to see the events tagged to it. A number after the district is how many events name it.

Kind of event
Decade

In Washington

2026

  1. Oct 28, 2026 State Laws and rules Reported

    Secretary of State Hobbs declines U.S. attorneys' request to set aside ballots from more than 400 registrants

    On October 28, 2026, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs answered by letter the request from the state's two U.S. attorneys that election officials set aside ballots matching their list of more than 400 people they allege are noncitizens, and declined it, KUOW reports. KUOW quotes the letter as saying, "You provide no information about how the information was collected or what sources were used," and reports that Hobbs wrote that his office had found U.S. citizens on the list and that many names on it are not registered to vote, and argued that refusing to count ballots over an unverified list would likely be unlawful.

    Related: U.S. attorneys ask Washington to set aside ballots from more than 400 registrants they say are noncitizens

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

  2. Oct 26, 2026 State Laws and rules Reported

    U.S. attorneys ask Washington to set aside ballots from more than 400 registrants they say are noncitizens

    On October 26, 2026, the U.S. Attorney's Offices for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington announced that they would give the Secretary of State a list of more than 400 people who "appear to be illegally registered" and ask that their mail ballots be set aside until their citizenship can be confirmed. Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said the offices had "identified over 400 non-citizens who are registered to vote and have voted in multiple elections"; the release says many on the list are lawful permanent residents. NBC News reported that the letter gave the state 24 hours to review the list and that Secretary of State Steve Hobbs' office was reviewing it; Hobbs said the office "will only respond to requests that follow due process."

    Related: Federal court dismisses the Justice Department's voter-roll suit against Washington · Justice Department sues California over about 20,000 registrants it calls likely noncitizens · Secretary of State Hobbs declines U.S. attorneys' request to set aside ballots from more than 400 registrants · Unions, LULAC and the NAACP sue the Justice and Homeland Security departments over threats to election workers · Federal judge bars the Justice and Homeland Security departments from demanding that officials set aside ballots or threatening them with prosecution

    Source last checked Oct 27, 2026

  3. Mar 25, 2026 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor approves HB 1916 on voter registration challenges and list management

    Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916, captioned "Voter registration--challenges and list management," passed the Senate 30-19 on March 3, 2026 and the House 58-38 on March 11, 2026 and was approved March 25, 2026 as Chapter 212, Laws of 2026, effective June 11, 2026.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  4. Mar 25, 2026 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor approves SB 5892 on confidential voter registration information

    Senate Bill 5892, captioned "Voter registration--confidential information," amends the public records exemption for election security information. It passed the House 57-36 on February 28, 2026 and the Senate 30-19 on March 9, 2026 and was approved March 25, 2026 as Chapter 213, Laws of 2026, effective that day.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  5. Mar 25, 2026 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor approves HB 1710 on compliance with the state Voting Rights Act

    Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1710, captioned "Washington voting rights act--compliance," defines "covered jurisdictions" by court orders, consent decrees or settlements in the previous 25 years and covered policies such as changes to method of election. It passed the Senate 30-19 on March 4, 2026 and the House 57-39 on March 11, 2026 and was approved March 25, 2026 as Chapter 211, Laws of 2026, effective June 11, 2026.

    Related: Governor approves HB 1750 on disparate-burden and vote dilution claims under the state Voting Rights Act

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  6. Mar 25, 2026 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor approves HB 1750 on disparate-burden and vote dilution claims under the state Voting Rights Act

    Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1750, captioned "Washington voting rights act--voter suppression and vote dilution claims," passed the Senate 30-19 on February 28, 2026 and the House 58-38 on March 11, 2026 and was approved March 25, 2026 as Chapter 215, Laws of 2026, effective June 11, 2026.

    Related: Governor signs the Washington Voting Rights Act of 2018 · Governor approves HB 1710 on compliance with the state Voting Rights Act

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2023

  1. Apr 13, 2023 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor approves amendments to the Washington Voting Rights Act

    Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1048, captioned "Voting rights act--various provisions," passed the House 57-38 on March 4, 2023 and the Senate 27-21 on April 5, 2023 and was approved April 13, 2023 as Chapter 56, Laws of 2023, effective January 1, 2024.

    Related: Governor signs the Washington Voting Rights Act of 2018

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2021

  1. Dec 8, 2021 County Laws and rules In effect

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on December 8, 2021 (86 FR 69611), lists Adams County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Dec 8, 2021 County Laws and rules In effect

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on December 8, 2021 (86 FR 69611), lists Franklin County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Dec 8, 2021 County Laws and rules In effect

    Federal determination requires election materials for 3 language groups in King County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on December 8, 2021 (86 FR 69611), lists King County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for these language minority groups: Hispanic; Chinese (including Taiwanese); Vietnamese. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Chinese language group in King County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for 2 language groups in King County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for 2 language groups in King County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Dec 8, 2021 County Laws and rules In effect

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on December 8, 2021 (86 FR 69611), lists Yakima County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Apr 7, 2021 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor approves HB 1078 on voter eligibility after a felony conviction

    Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1078, captioned "Voter eligibility--persons convicted of a felony offense," passed the House 57-41 on February 24, 2021 and the Senate 27-22 on March 24, 2021 and was approved April 7, 2021 as Chapter 10, Laws of 2021, effective January 1, 2022.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2019

  1. Apr 29, 2019 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor approves prepaid postage for ballot return envelopes

    Substitute Senate Bill 5063, captioned "Election ballots--prepaid postage," passed the House 83-10 on April 12, 2019 and the Senate 44-5 on April 18, 2019 and was approved April 29, 2019 as Chapter 161, Laws of 2019, effective July 1, 2019.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2018

  1. Mar 19, 2018 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor approves automatic voter registration

    Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2595, captioned "Automatic voter registration," passed the Senate 27-21 on March 6, 2018 and the House 50-48 on March 7, 2018 and was approved March 19, 2018 as Chapter 110, Laws of 2018. Sections 101 through 107 took effect July 1, 2019.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Mar 19, 2018 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor approves a later voter registration period

    Substitute Senate Bill 6021, captioned "Voter registration period," passed the Senate 29-20 on January 17, 2018 and the House 50-48 on February 27, 2018 and was approved March 19, 2018 as Chapter 112, Laws of 2018. Sections 1 through 4 took effect June 30, 2019.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Mar 19, 2018 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor signs the Washington Voting Rights Act of 2018

    Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6002, the "Washington voting rights act of 2018," passed the House 52-46 on February 27, 2018 and the Senate 29-20 on March 5, 2018 and was approved March 19, 2018 as Chapter 113, Laws of 2018, effective June 7, 2018. It addresses electoral systems that deny race, color or language minority groups an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.

    Related: Yakima County agrees to single-member districts in first Washington Voting Rights Act settlement · Washington Supreme Court upholds the state Voting Rights Act in Portugal v. Franklin County

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2016

  1. Dec 5, 2016 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on December 5, 2016 (81 FR 87532), lists Adams County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2021 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Dec 5, 2016 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on December 5, 2016 (81 FR 87532), lists Franklin County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2021 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Dec 5, 2016 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for 2 language groups in King County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on December 5, 2016 (81 FR 87532), lists King County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for these language minority groups: Chinese (including Taiwanese); Vietnamese. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2021 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Chinese language group in King County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for 2 language groups in King County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for 3 language groups in King County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Dec 5, 2016 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on December 5, 2016 (81 FR 87532), lists Yakima County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2021 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

2011

  1. Oct 13, 2011 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on October 13, 2011 (76 FR 63602), lists Adams County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2016 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Oct 13, 2011 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on October 13, 2011 (76 FR 63602), lists Franklin County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2016 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Oct 13, 2011 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for 2 language groups in King County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on October 13, 2011 (76 FR 63602), lists King County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for these language minority groups: Asian (Chinese); Asian (Vietnamese). The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2016 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Chinese language group in King County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for 2 language groups in King County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for 3 language groups in King County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Oct 13, 2011 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on October 13, 2011 (76 FR 63602), lists Yakima County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2016 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Apr 5, 2011 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor approves ESSB 5124 on mail ballots and voting centers

    Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5124, captioned "Elections--mail ballots--voting centers," passed the Senate 26-23 on March 4, 2011 and the House 52-43 on March 25, 2011, and was approved on April 5, 2011 as Chapter 10, Laws of 2011. Among its amendments, the text changes a reference to a "polling location" to a "voting center."

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2004

  1. Nov 2, 2004 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Voters approve Initiative 872, the top-two primary

    The Secretary of State's primary history records that Initiative 872 appeared on the November 2, 2004 general election ballot and was approved by voters by nearly 60 percent. It provides that candidates are identified by self-designated party preference and that the two top vote-getters advance regardless of party.

    Related: Supreme Court upholds Washington's top-two primary against a facial challenge

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2002

  1. Jul 26, 2002 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on July 26, 2002 (67 FR 48871), lists Adams County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2011 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Adams County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Jul 26, 2002 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on July 26, 2002 (67 FR 48871), lists Franklin County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2011 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Franklin County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Jul 26, 2002 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Chinese language group in King County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on July 26, 2002 (67 FR 48871), lists King County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Chinese. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2011 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for 2 language groups in King County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for 2 language groups in King County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for 3 language groups in King County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Jul 26, 2002 County Laws and rules Enacted

    Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington

    The Director of the Census Bureau's notice, published in the Federal Register on July 26, 2002 (67 FR 48871), lists Yakima County, Washington, as covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for this language minority group: Hispanic. The notice says covered jurisdictions have a legal obligation to provide the minority language assistance that Section 203 prescribes; its table is titled bilingual election materials for voting rights. The county also appears in the 2011 notice.

    Related: Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington · Federal determination requires election materials for the Hispanic language group in Yakima County, Washington

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

Nationwide

2026

  1. Aug 26, 2026 National Laws and rules Blocked by a court

    Postal Service issues final rule on ballot mail for federal elections

    The Postal Service's final rule "Ballot Mail for Federal Elections" was published August 26, 2026 and states that it is effective August 21, 2026. It says it responds to Executive Order 14399 and received "more than 200,000 responses" during the comment period. The rule says that, because of injunctions in two Massachusetts cases, the Postal Service "will not take actions to implement the rule specifically for the 2026 election" unless the government obtains relief from them. On September 13, 2026, a federal court in Washington granted preliminary injunctions against the rule.

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship verification and mail ballots · Postal Service proposes a rule on ballot mail for federal elections · Federal court in Washington enjoins the Postal Service ballot mail rule · Federal court in Massachusetts finds the government violated its injunction by issuing the Postal Service ballot-mail rule · Federal court in Massachusetts temporarily stays parts of the Postal Service ballot-mail rule for the 2026 election · First Circuit refuses to stay the Massachusetts preliminary injunction against parts of the Postal Service ballot-mail rule

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Jul 22, 2026 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes bill with a photo-ID voting requirement; Senate cloture vote fails, 53-47, on September 30, 2026

    On July 22, 2026, the House passed H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, by 232 to 198 (Roll no. 280). Section 3 of the House-passed text is titled "Requiring voters to provide photo identification." On September 30, 2026, the Senate voted 53 to 47 on cloture on the motion to proceed, and the bill record says cloture was "not invoked" (Record Vote 253).

    Related: House passes SAVE America Act text as an amendment to S. 1383, 218-213

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Jun 2, 2026 National Laws and rules Proposed

    Postal Service proposes a rule on ballot mail for federal elections

    On June 2, 2026, the Postal Service published a proposed rule, "Ballot Mail for Federal Elections," to amend its Domestic Mail Manual on the transmission of mail-in or absentee ballots for federal elections. The final rule says the comment period closed on July 2, 2026.

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship verification and mail ballots · Postal Service issues final rule on ballot mail for federal elections

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  4. Mar 31, 2026 National Laws and rules In effect

    President signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship verification and mail ballots

    Executive Order 14399, "Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections," is dated March 31, 2026 and was published in the Federal Register on April 3, 2026. Section 2 directs the Department of Homeland Security to compile and transmit to each state a "State Citizenship List." Section 3 directs the Postmaster General to begin a rulemaking on mail-in and absentee ballots within 60 days. Courts later enjoined parts of the Postal Service rule that followed.

    Related: Postal Service issues final rule on ballot mail for federal elections · Federal court in Washington denies preliminary injunctions against Executive Order 14399 · Federal court in Washington enjoins the Postal Service ballot mail rule · Federal court in Massachusetts declares parts of Executive Order 14399 void in a suit by states · Federal court in Massachusetts enjoins Postal Service implementation of Section 3 of Executive Order 14399

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  5. Feb 11, 2026 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes SAVE America Act text as an amendment to S. 1383, 218-213

    On February 11, 2026, the House passed S. 1383 with an amendment in the nature of a substitute, by 218 to 213 (Roll no. 69). The House-passed text is titled the "SAVE America Act." On March 17, 2026, the Senate agreed 51 to 48 to a motion to proceed to the House message on S. 1383 (Record Vote 57). On March 21, 2026, a cloture vote on a related motion was "not invoked" by 41 to 49 (Record Vote 61). The bill record lists no final Senate vote, and it did not become law.

    Related: House passes SAVE Act, 220-208; Senate does not act · House passes bill with a photo-ID voting requirement; Senate cloture vote fails, 53-47, on September 30, 2026

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2025

  1. Nov 24, 2025 National Laws and rules In effect

    Postal Service adds a Domestic Mail Manual section defining postmarks

    On November 24, 2025, the Postal Service published a final rule adding section 608.11, "Postmarks and Postal Possession," to the Domestic Mail Manual, effective December 24, 2025. It says the new language "does not change any existing postal operations or postmarking practices" and is intended to improve public understanding of postmarks and the date of mailing.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Apr 10, 2025 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes SAVE Act, 220-208; Senate does not act

    On April 10, 2025, the House passed H.R. 22, the SAVE Act, by 220 to 208 (Roll no. 102). The bill was received in the Senate the same day; the bill record lists no later action, and it did not become law.

    Related: House passes SAVE America Act text as an amendment to S. 1383, 218-213

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Mar 25, 2025 National Laws and rules In effect

    President signs Executive Order 14248 on federal elections

    Executive Order 14248, "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections," is dated March 25, 2025 and was published in the Federal Register on March 28, 2025. Section 2 is titled "Enforcing the Citizenship Requirement for Federal Elections," Section 4 "Improving the Election Assistance Commission," and Section 7 "Compliance with Federal Law Setting the National Election Day." Courts later enjoined parts of it.

    Related: Federal court in Washington blocks parts of Executive Order 14248 · Federal court permanently bars the Election Assistance Commission from implementing Section 2(a) of Executive Order 14248 · Supreme Court grants stay in Department of Homeland Security v. League of Women Voters, on voter citizenship checks · Federal court in Massachusetts blocks parts of Executive Order 14248 in a suit by 19 states

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2022

  1. Dec 29, 2022 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022 becomes law

    Division P of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328, signed December 29, 2022) may be cited as the "Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022." Title I may be cited as the "Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022."

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

  2. Jan 19, 2022 National Laws and rules Failed

    Senate cloture on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act fails, 49-51

    On January 19, 2022, the Senate voted 49 to 51 on cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, and cloture was "not invoked" (Record Vote 9). The bill record also lists a motion by Senator Schumer to appeal the ruling of the chair as "not agreed to," on the question "Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judgement of the Senate," by 52 to 48 (Record Vote 10). The bill did not become law.

    Related: Senate vote to begin debate on the Freedom to Vote Act fails, 49-51 · House passes John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act; Senate cloture vote on November 3, 2021 is 50-49 and fails

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2021

  1. Oct 20, 2021 National Laws and rules Failed

    Senate vote to begin debate on the Freedom to Vote Act fails, 49-51

    On October 20, 2021, the Senate voted 49 to 51 on cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2747, the Freedom to Vote Act. The bill record says cloture was "not invoked" (Record Vote 420). The bill did not become law.

    Related: For the People Act of 2021 passes the House; Senate committee discharge vote is 50-49 and the bill stalls · Senate cloture on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act fails, 49-51

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Aug 24, 2021 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act; Senate cloture vote on November 3, 2021 is 50-49 and fails

    On August 24, 2021, the House passed H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, by 219 to 212 (Roll no. 260). On November 3, 2021, a Senate vote on cloture on the motion to proceed to the companion bill, S. 4, was 50 to 49 and cloture was "not invoked" (Record Vote 459). Neither bill became law.

    Related: House passes Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019; no Senate vote follows · Senate cloture on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act fails, 49-51

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Mar 3, 2021 National Laws and rules Failed

    For the People Act of 2021 passes the House; Senate committee discharge vote is 50-49 and the bill stalls

    On March 3, 2021, the House passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2021, by 220 to 210 (Roll no. 62). On June 22, 2021, the Senate voted 50 to 50 (Roll call 246) on cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2093, the For the People Act of 2021, which required 3/5 of the Senate; the Senate roll call records the result as "Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected." On August 11, 2021, the Senate voted 50 to 49 to discharge its Rules and Administration Committee from the companion bill, S. 1 (Roll call 358). The bill records list no Senate vote on passage, and neither bill became law.

    Related: House passes For the People Act of 2019; no Senate vote follows · Senate vote to begin debate on the Freedom to Vote Act fails, 49-51

    Source last checked Oct 22, 2026

2019

  1. Dec 6, 2019 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019; no Senate vote follows

    On December 6, 2019, the House passed H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019, by 228 to 187 (Roll no. 654). It was received in the Senate on December 9, 2019 and referred to the Judiciary Committee; the bill record lists no Senate vote, and it did not become law.

    Related: House passes John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act; Senate cloture vote on November 3, 2021 is 50-49 and fails · Supreme Court decides Shelby County v. Holder

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Mar 8, 2019 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes For the People Act of 2019; no Senate vote follows

    On March 8, 2019, the House passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2019, by 234 to 193 (Roll no. 118). The bill was received in the Senate on March 12, 2019 and placed on the Senate calendar; the bill record lists no Senate vote on passage, and it did not become law.

    Related: For the People Act of 2021 passes the House; Senate committee discharge vote is 50-49 and the bill stalls

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

2018

  1. Sep 12, 2018 National Laws and rules In effect

    President signs Executive Order 13848 on foreign interference in U.S. elections

    Executive Order 13848, dated September 12, 2018, imposes sanctions authority in the event of foreign interference in a U.S. election. The order says "there has been no evidence of a foreign power altering the outcome or vote tabulation in any United States election" and declares a national emergency over the threat of interference.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2009

  1. Oct 28, 2009 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act becomes law

    Section 575 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84, dated October 28, 2009) may be cited as the "Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act." It adds a requirement that states transmit a validly requested absentee ballot to an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter not later than 45 days before a federal election, when the request is received at least 45 days before it.

    Related: Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act becomes law

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

2006

  1. Jul 27, 2006 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Voting Rights Act reauthorized and amended in 2006

    Public Law 109-246, dated July 27, 2006, may be cited as the "Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006." Among other changes it amended Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act and replaced the references to the 1982 amendments in Section 4(a).

    Related: Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982 become law · Supreme Court decides Shelby County v. Holder

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

2002

  1. Oct 29, 2002 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Help America Vote Act of 2002 becomes law

    Public Law 107-252, dated October 29, 2002, is titled, in part, "To establish a program to provide funds to States to replace punch card voting systems, to establish the Election Assistance Commission" to assist in the administration of federal elections, and "to establish minimum election administration standards for States and units of local government with responsibility for the administration of Federal elections."

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

1993

  1. May 20, 1993 National Laws and rules Enacted

    National Voter Registration Act of 1993 becomes law

    Public Law 103-31, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, is dated May 20, 1993. The law states its purpose as "to establish procedures that will increase the number of eligible citizens who register to vote in elections for Federal office."

    Related: Supreme Court decides Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona · Supreme Court decides Husted v. A. Philip Randolph Institute

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

1986

  1. Aug 28, 1986 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act becomes law

    Public Law 99-410, dated August 28, 1986, may be cited as the "Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act." Its subject is voting in federal elections by members of the uniformed services and by citizens living overseas.

    Related: Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act becomes law

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

1982

  1. Jun 29, 1982 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982 become law

    Public Law 97-205, dated June 29, 1982, rewrote Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act to bar any practice "imposed or applied by any State or political subdivision in a manner which results in a denial or abridgement of the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color." It also provided that a section 4 provision expires "at the end of the twenty-five-year period following the effective date" of the 1982 amendments.

    Related: Voting Rights Act reauthorized and amended in 2006 · Supreme Court decides Thornburg v. Gingles · Supreme Court decides City of Mobile v. Bolden · Supreme Court decides Louisiana v. Callais

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

1975

  1. Aug 6, 1975 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Voting Rights Act extended in 1975, with language-minority protections

    Public Law 94-73, dated August 6, 1975, is titled "To amend the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to extend certain provisions for an additional seven years, to make permanent the ban against certain prerequisites to voting, and for other purposes." It also provides that no voting qualification may be imposed "to deny or abridge the right of any citizen of the United States to vote because he is a member of a language minority group."

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

1971

  1. Jul 1, 1971 National Laws and rules Enacted

    26th Amendment ratified: voting age of 18

    The National Archives lists the 26th Amendment as passed by Congress on March 23, 1971, and ratified on July 1, 1971. It reads: "The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age."

    Related: Supreme Court decides Oregon v. Mitchell

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

1970

  1. Jun 22, 1970 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1970 become law

    Public Law 91-285, dated June 22, 1970, is titled "To extend the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with respect to the discriminatory use of tests, and for other purposes." It may be cited as the Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1970.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Oregon v. Mitchell · Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

1965

  1. Aug 6, 1965 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law

    President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law on August 6, 1965. The National Archives says the act outlawed the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many southern states after the Civil War.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Shelby County v. Holder · Supreme Court decides Allen v. Milligan

    Source last checked Oct 29, 2026

How this timeline is built

Every entry rests on at least one source that was opened and read, and that source states the date and the fact. Courts, legislatures, election offices, the Justice Department, the Census Bureau, the Federal Register and Congress.gov come first. A news report is used only when no official page states the fact, and it is labeled with the outlet's name. Encyclopedias are not used as sources. History starts in 1965 with the Voting Rights Act. County names come from the Census Bureau's 2024 Gazetteer. Congressional district numbers are those in use for the 2026 election; an event is tagged to a district only when its source names that congressional district.

When a later event changes an earlier one, such as a law later struck down, both entries are listed and point to each other. This page does not predict outcomes or say which party a change helps. U.S. House maps for 2026 · Back to the 2026 voting center.