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119-hr-9349119th Congress

Voting Systems Protection Act

Sponsored By: Representative Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

Introduced

Summary

Protect state custody and chain-of-custody for election materials. This bill would require State officials to supervise any Federal seizure of voting machines, ballots, registration files, software, and related records to safeguard handling and storage.

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  • State election officials gain explicit oversight rights. They would be able to observe handling, access storage and examination sites, document or photograph conditions, and countersign chain-of-custody forms. The designated official is the Secretary of State or a written designee.
  • Federal officers and contractors face new criminal and civil penalties for mishandling seized materials. Knowing and willful tampering could carry up to 10 years imprisonment and negligent violations can bring fines up to $250,000 and permanent disqualification from Federal office.
  • Seizures would trigger timing and notice limits around Federal elections. Agencies would generally need to give at least 48 hours written notice and could not seize materials during a 120-day pre- and post-election restricted period except for imminent-harm cases that meet strict court standards. Civil fines range from $50,000 to $500,000 and States may seek expedited judicial review.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Protections for state election materials

If enacted, the bill would define what counts as voting machines and election records for Federal elections. It would bar Federal agencies from seizing those materials during a restricted period that starts 120 days before and ends 120 days after a Federal election. Federal agencies would have to give at least 48 hours' written notice to the State chief election official and specified congressional leaders before a seizure. A State-designated official (usually the Secretary of State) would be allowed to observe handling, countersign chain-of-custody forms, access storage and examination sites, and document conditions, and Federal agencies would have to provide reasonable accommodations and pay reasonable travel costs. Seizures would generally require a court-issued warrant.

Emergency seizure rules and limits

If enacted, the bill would allow seizures without the 48-hour notice only in true emergencies. In exigent cases, notice must be given as soon as practicable and no later than six hours after the seizure, with a written explanation of the emergency. During the restricted period, seizures would be allowed only with clear and convincing evidence of imminent harm tied to the specific materials and with a Federal district judge's order authorizing the seizure. Any seizure in these circumstances must be narrowly tailored and the agency must show it tried in good faith to notify officials.

New penalties and state remedies

If enacted, the bill would make it a federal crime for officers or agents to tamper with, destroy, falsify, or mishandle seized election materials or to obstruct State oversight. Knowing and willful violations could bring up to 10 years in prison. Negligent or reckless violations could bring fines up to $250,000. Officials who knowingly seize during the restricted period could face civil fines of $50,000 to $500,000 per violation. States could sue for damages, seek return of materials, and recover attorney's fees, and prosecutions may be started up to 9 years after an offense.

Rules, training, and effective date

If enacted, the bill would take effect 90 days after enactment. The Attorney General would have 180 days to issue implementing regulations in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Election Assistance Commission, including standard notice forms and procedures. The Attorney General would also be required to provide mandatory training for all Federal law enforcement on the Act's requirements.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

NY • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4]

    GA • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9]

    TX • D

    Sponsored 6/24/2026

  • Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 7/21/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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