Equal Voices Act
Sponsored By: Representative Casten
Introduced
Summary
Set House size so each Representative represents about 500,000 people. This bill would change apportionment by dividing the total U.S. population by 500,000 and rounding to the nearest whole odd number, and it would apply to the first regular decennial census after enactment.
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- Households: Smaller average district populations would aim to improve constituent access and casework by increasing the number of Representatives per person.
- States: Total seats would grow as population rises since seats = total population ÷ 500,000 rounded to an odd number. States could use multi-member districts while keeping equal population per Representative as nearly as practicable.
- Voters and elections: States that adopt multi-member districts could use ranked-choice voting with specified ranking limits and a single transferable vote style tabulation, plus rules for transfers, surplus fractions, undervotes, and ties.
- Commission: A bipartisan 15-member commission would review large population shifts if apportionment diverges by 15 percent and recommend an optimal House size and apportionment.
- House operations: The bill authorizes appropriations for extra space, facilities, personnel, and resources for the House and the Architect of the Capitol each fiscal year to accommodate a larger membership.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
States could use multi-member ranked-choice voting
States could choose to elect Representatives from multi-member districts. Each district would need equal people per Representative, as nearly as practicable. States using multi-member districts could use ranked-choice voting with set rules. Ballots would let voters rank many candidates: usually seats plus four; if not feasible, at least all candidates; or at least five. Counting would use transfers and eliminations, with transfers truncated to four decimals, and ties settled by lot or State law. These options would start with the first regular decennial census after enactment.
Tie House seats to population
This bill would size the House by dividing the U.S. population by 500,000 and rounding to the nearest odd number. If enacted, it would take effect with the first regular decennial census after passage and then every census. It would repeal parts of a 1911 law to make this new method work. States could gain or lose seats based on the new formula.
Annual funds for House space and staff
The bill would allow yearly funding of whatever sums are needed for added House space, staff, and facilities. Funds would cover the House and the Architect of the Capitol. This would begin in the fiscal year the bill is enacted and continue each year.
Commission to review House size after big shifts
If the new House size moves 15% up or down from the last census, a 15‑member commission would form. Leaders in Congress would appoint members within 30 days of the apportionment statement. The commission would study population shifts and recommend an optimal House size and apportionment. It would report within 6 months after the census publication, then end 30 days later. This would start with the second regular decennial census after enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Casten
IL • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov