S 250 in Congressional Session 102

Official Summary

 

Bill Number : S 250

 

Title : A bill to establish national voter registration procedures for Federal elections, and for other purposes.

 

SUMMARY AS OF:
5/20/1992--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) National Voter Registration Act of 1992 - Requires each State to establish procedures with respect to presidential and congressional elections and to permit voter registration by: (1) application in person simultaneously with application for a motor vehicle driver's license; (2) mail application; or (3) application in person at designated Federal, State, or nongovernmental office locations. Requires each State to designate voter registration agencies, including all offices in the State that provide: (1) public assistance, unemployment compensation, or related services; and (2) State-funded programs primarily for persons with disabilities. Requires voter registration agencies to perform certain services including: (1) incorporation in application forms (as well as other non-registration forms) of a means by which the person completing the form may decline to register to vote in Federal elections; and (2) give each applicant who does not decline to register the same degree of assistance given anyone to fill out other forms in the agency. Declares that this Act does not apply to any State that has no voter registration requirement with respect to elections for Federal office and/or in which voters may register at the polling place at the time of a general election for Federal office. Requires each State to: (1) assure that any eligible applicant who submits an application by a certain deadline before the election is registered to vote in the election; (2) require the appropriate State election official to notify each applicant of the disposition of the application; (3) provide that the name of a voter may not be removed from the official list of eligible voters except by reason of death, criminal conviction, mental incapacity, change in residence, or voter request; (4) inform applicants of voter eligibility requirements and penalties provided by law for submission of a false voter registration application; (5) conduct a general program that makes a reasonable effort to remove from the official lists any voters ineligible by reason of death or change of address; and (6) ensure that the identity of any voter registration agency where a particular voter registered is not publicly disclosed. Provides that any State program or activity to protect the integrity of the electoral process by assuring an accurate and current voter registration roll for elections for Federal office shall: (1) be uniform and nondiscriminatory; and (2) not result in the removal of the name of any person from the official list of registered voters for failing to vote. Requires any program designed to systematically remove ineligible voters from the rolls to complete its work 90 days prior to a primary or general election for Federal office. Prohibits a State from removing the name of a voter from the official list of eligible voters for Federal elections on the grounds that the registrant has moved, unless such registrant: (1) confirms in writing that he or she has changed residence to a place outside the jurisdiction of the registrar; or (2) has failed to respond to a notice from the registrar and has not appeared to vote and, if necessary, correct the address in an election during a certain period. Provides for the opportunity to vote of a person who has changed address without properly notifying the registrar. States that in the event of a change of address, for voting purposes, of a voter to another address within the same jurisdiction, the registrar shall correct the voting registration list accordingly. Prohibits such voter's name from being removed from the registry of eligible voters by reason of such change of address, except as provided in this Act. Requires the United States attorney to give the chief State election official written notice of an offender's felony conviction in Federal district court. Amends Federal postal rate law to require the Postal Service to make certain lower postal rates available to State or local election officials who certify that a mailing is in furtherance of this Act. Requires the States to maintain for public disclosure, for a minimum two-year period, all records pertaining to the accuracy and currency of official lists of eligible voters. Directs the Federal Election Commission to: (1) develop a mail voter registration application form for Federal elections; (2) submit, not later than June 30 of each odd-numbered year, to the Congress a report assessing the impact of this Act on the administration of Federal elections during the preceding two-year period; and (3) provide information to the States with respect to their responsibilities. Requires each State to designate a chief State election official to coordinate State functions under this Act. Provides a private right of action for an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act. Provides for the awarding of attorney fees to the prevailing party, other than the United States. Imposes criminal penalties upon any person who: (1) intimidates, threatens, or coerces any person for registering or voting or exercising any right under this Act; or (2) deprives or defrauds the inhabitants of a State of a fair and impartially conducted election process.

Votes

Title : A bill to establish national voter registration procedures for Federal elections, and for other purposes.
Votes in the US Senate
Roll NumberVote DateQuestionDescriptionVote Result
1401991-07-18On the Cloture Motioncloture motion; National Voter Registration Act of 1991Rejected
1341991-07-18On the Cloture Motioncloture motion rejected; National Voter Registration Act of 1991Rejected
2261992-09-22On Overriding the VetoS. 250, Veto Override; National Voter Registration Act of 1991Veto Sustained
981992-05-20On Passage of the BillS. 250; National Voter Registration Act of 1991Passed
971992-05-19On the Motion to Table S.Amdt. 1833Motion To Table Specter Amendment No. 1833; To modify the provision requiring notice to registration applicants of the disposition of their applications by requiring States to reject registration applications that are returned undelivered.Agreed to
961992-05-19On the Motion to Table S.Amdt. 1831Motion To Table Amendment No. 1831; To prevent voting by ineligible non-citizens.Agreed to
951992-05-19On the Motion to Table S.Amdt. 1830Motion To Table Gramm Amendment No. 1830; To provide mandatory minimum penalties for voter intimidation and for depriving the public of a fair and impartial election.Agreed to
941992-05-19On the Motion to Table S.Amdt. 1829Motion To Table Nickles Amendment No. 1829; To put off the effective date until January first of the year after the year in which Congress enacts legislation authorizing and appropriating funds to pay the costs of implementing the Act.Agreed to
931992-05-19On the Motion to Table S.Amdt. 1828Motion To Table McConnell Amendment No. 1828; To discontinue application of the bill in States in which the voter turnout in 1996 does not exceed the voter turnout in 1992 by at least 2 percent.Agreed to
921992-05-19On the Motion to Table S.Amdt. 1827Motion To Table Amendment No. 1827; To combat public corruption.Agreed to
911992-05-19On the Motion to Table S.Amdt. 1825McCain Amendment No. 1825; To ensure that individuals applying for agency based registration are not coerced by such agencies.Agreed to
901992-05-14On the Amendment S.Amdt. 1821Stevens Amendment No. 1821; In the nature of a substitute, proposing the "National Voter Registration Enhancement Act of 1992".Rejected
891992-05-14On the Motion to Table S.Amdt. 1799Motion To Table Kasten Amendment No. 1799; To provide for product liability actions brought against a manufacturer or product seller on any theory, and to establish guidelines for Federal standards of liability for general aviation accidents.Agreed to
871992-05-12On the Cloture MotionMotion To Invoke Cloture On S.250; National Voter Registration Act of 1991Rejected
861992-05-07On the Cloture MotionMotion To Invoke Cloture On Motion To Proceed To S.250; National Voter Registration Act of 1991Agreed to
Votes in the US House
Roll NumberVote DateQuestionDescriptionVote Result
831992-04-09On Agreeing to the Amendment THOMAS (CA) SUBSTITUF
1941992-06-16On Passage NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACTP
1931992-06-16On Agreeing to the Amendment THOMAS (CA) SUBSTITUF

Sponsors

 
Congressional Sponsors of S 250
 
Bill Number : S 250
Title : A bill to establish national voter registration procedures for Federal elections, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Ford, Wendell H. [KY] (introduced 1/23/1991)      
ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]:     (Sort: by date)

    Sen Adams, Brock [WA] - 1/29/1991

    Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] - 1/29/1991

    Sen Bentsen, Lloyd M. [TX] - 3/5/1991

    Sen Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [DE] - 1/29/1991

    Sen Bingaman, Jeff [NM] - 3/14/1991

    Sen Bradley, Bill [NJ] - 2/26/1991

    Sen Breaux, John B. [LA] - 7/10/1991

    Sen Conrad, Kent [ND] - 6/24/1991

    Sen Cranston, Alan [CA] - 1/29/1991

    Sen Daschle, Thomas A. [SD] - 6/24/1991

    Sen DeConcini, Dennis [AZ] - 1/29/1991

    Sen Dodd, Christopher J. [CT] - 1/29/1991

    Sen Durenberger, Dave [MN] - 1/29/1991

    Sen Exon, J. James [NE] - 6/24/1991

    Sen Glenn, John H., Jr. [OH] - 6/24/1991

    Sen Gore, Albert, Jr. [TN] - 3/13/1991

    Sen Hatfield, Mark O. [OR] - 1/23/1991

    Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] - 1/29/1991

    Sen Johnston, J. Bennett [LA] - 8/1/1991

    Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] - 2/5/1991

    Sen Kohl, Herb [WI] - 4/23/1991

    Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. [NJ] - 6/24/1991

    Sen Leahy, Patrick J. [VT] - 2/5/1991

    Sen Lieberman, Joseph I. [CT] - 1/29/1991

    Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. [MD] - 3/7/1991

    Sen Mitchell, George J. [ME] - 6/24/1991

    Sen Moynihan, Daniel Patrick [NY] - 3/12/1991

    Sen Packwood, Bob [OR] - 4/9/1992

    Sen Pell, Claiborne [RI] - 1/29/1991

    Sen Rockefeller, John D., IV [WV] - 2/7/1991

    Sen Sarbanes, Paul S. [MD] - 4/17/1991

    Sen Simon, Paul [IL] - 6/24/1991

    Sen Wellstone, Paul D. [MN] - 4/11/1991

    Sen Wirth, Timothy [CO] - 2/5/1991

    Sen Wofford, Harris [PA] - 7/17/1991

Other Info

Bill Number : S 250
Title : A bill to establish national voter registration procedures for Federal elections, and for other purposes.
 
 
ALL ACTIONS:
(Floor Actions/Congressional Record Page References)
 
1/23/1991:Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules.
 
3/21/1991:Committee on Rules. Hearings held.
 
4/17/1991:Committee on Rules. Hearings held.
 
4/24/1991:Committee on Rules. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
 
5/21/1991:Committee on Rules. Reported to Senate by Senator Ford with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 102-60. Additional and minority views filed.
 
5/21/1991:Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 89.
 
7/16/1991:Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate.
 
7/16/1991:Cloture motion on the motion to proceeed presented in Senate.
 
7/16/1991:Motion to proceed to consideration of measure withdrawn in Senate.
 
7/17/1991:Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate.
 
7/17/1991:Second cloture motion on the motion to proceed presented in Senate.
 
7/17/1991:Motion to proceed to consideration of measure withdrawn in Senate.
 
7/18/1991:First cloture on the motion to proceed not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 57-41. Record Vote No: 134.
 
7/18/1991:Second cloture on the motion to proceed not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 59-40. Record Vote No: 140.
 
10/25/1991:Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate.
 
10/25/1991:Cloture motion on the motion to proceed presented in Senate.
 
10/25/1991:Motion to proceed to consideration of measure withdrawn in Senate.
 
5/7/1992:Cloture on the motion to proceed invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 61-38. Record Vote No: 86.
 
5/7/1992:Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
 
5/7/1992:The Committee substitute was modified by Unanimous Consent.
 
5/7/1992:Cloture motion on the Committee substitute (as modified) presented in Senate.
 
5/12/1992:Considered by Senate.
 
5/12/1992:Cloture not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 58-40. Record Vote No: 87.
 
5/12/1992:Motion by Senator Mitchell to reconsider the vote to invoke cloture on the Committee substitute (as modified) entered in Senate.
 
5/14/1992:Considered by Senate.
 
5/19/1992:Considered by Senate.
 
5/19/1992:The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Voice Vote.
 
5/20/1992:Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 61-38. Record Vote No: 98.
 
5/21/1992 10:14am:Received in the House.
 
5/21/1992 10:30am:Held at the desk.
 
5/21/1992:Message on Senate action sent to the House.
 
6/11/1992 6:28pm:Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 480 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 250 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order. No amendment to the bill shall be in order except the amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. Said amendment shall not be subject to amendment and shall be debatable for not to exceed one hour.
 
6/16/1992 3:13pm:Rule H. Res. 480 passed House.
 
6/16/1992 3:13pm:Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 480.
 
6/16/1992 3:13pm:Rule provides for consideration of S. 250 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order. No amendment to the bill shall be in order except the amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. Said amendment shall not be subject to amendment and shall be debatable for not to exceed one hour.
 
6/16/1992 3:14pm:House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 480 and Rule XXIII.
 
6/16/1992 3:14pm:The Speaker designated the Honorable Jim McDermott to act as Chairman of the Committee.
 
6/16/1992 3:14pm:GENERAL DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 480, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate.
 
6/16/1992 4:28pm:DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 480, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of debate on the Thomas (CA) amendment.
 
6/16/1992 5:49pm:The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report S. 250.
 
6/16/1992 5:50pm:The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
 
6/16/1992 6:10pm:On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 268 - 153 (Roll no. 194).
 
6/16/1992 6:10pm:Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
 
6/16/1992:Cleared for White House.
 
6/17/1992:Message on House action received in Senate.
 
6/24/1992:Presented to President.
 
7/2/1992:Vetoed by President.
 
7/2/1992:Veto message received in Senate. Held at the desk.
 
9/21/1992:Veto message considered by Senate.
 
9/22/1992:Failed of passage in Senate over veto by Yea-Nay Vote. 62-38. Record Vote No: 226.
 
9/25/1992:Message on Senate action sent to the House.