WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S.J.Res. 186 · 119th Congress

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the fundamental right to vote.

IntroducedGovernment Operations and Politics
IntroducedApr 27, 2026
Passed SenateNot yet
Passed HouseNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Introduced. Latest step, Apr 27, 2026: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2055)

What it does

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This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment related to the fundamental right to vote.

Specifically, it grants every U.S. citizen of legal voting age the fundamental right to vote in any public election held in the jurisdiction in which the citizen resides.

Next, it specifies that the fundamental right to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States, a state, or a political subdivision of a state, unless the denial or abridgment is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest by the least restrictive means.

Finally, it repeals a specific portion of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which allows for the denial of the right to vote based on crime. (Currently, some states disallow individuals from voting, either temporarily or indefinitely, after incarceration for a felony.)

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in Senate, Apr 27, 2026).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

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  1. Apr 27, 2026Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show all 2 recorded actions

Cosponsors

  • Richard Blumenthal D-CT
  • Mazie K. Hirono D-HI
  • Edward J. Markey D-MA
  • Jeff Merkley D-OR
  • Alex Padilla D-CA
  • Bernard Sanders I-VT
  • Chris Van Hollen D-MD
  • Elizabeth Warren D-MA
  • Peter Welch D-VT