Senators Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Reform Electoral Count Act
Summary from the AllSides News Team
A bipartisan group of 16 senators introduced legislation on Wednesday to reform the Electoral Count Act of 1887.
The effort, led by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), would increase the number of Congress members required to object election results and clarify the vice president's "solely ministerial" role in certifying such results. To further ensure a peaceful transition into power, the legislation would also outline when newly-elected officials can begin receiving federal resources before their terms commence.
A second bill would increase penalties for intimidation of election officials and candidates. If both of these measures passed, this would mark the first legislative action designed to prevent future events similar to when former President Donald Trump tried to pressure Pence to reject electoral votes from battleground states and overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Reports on the legislation highlighted the broad points of agreement among Democrats and Republicans. Some left-rated outlets criticized the "ambiguous" terms of the 19th century law and accentuated reports that found "conspiracy theories fuelling political attacks" have made election work "unsustainable." Right-rated outlets were more likely to highlight criticisms that the legislation reform grants more power to the federal government.
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From the Left
Senators unveil bipartisan legislation to reform counting of electors
A bipartisan group of 16 senators introduced legislation on Wednesday to reform and modernize the Electoral Count Act of 1887, including by clarifying the role of the vice president in certifying presidential elections.
Why it matters: The bill, if passed by the House and Senate, would mark the first major legislative response to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and the events that it preceded it.
- It's the culmination of months of negotiations by senators — led by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) — who set out find common ...
From the Right
Senators unveil bipartisan legislation to reform Electoral Count Act
A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation designed to prevent a repeat of efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election.
One of the two bills proposed on Wednesday would update the Electoral Count Act of 1887 to “ensure that electoral votes tallied by Congress accurately reflect each state’s vote” and to replace unclear language clarifying the roles of federal and state officials in certifying presidential elections. The Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act would also establish guidelines for a peaceful transfer of power by providing federal resources...
From the Left
Senators reveal bipartisan legislation to prevent the next Jan 6 
Following Donald Trump’s assault on US elections and attempts to subvert the peaceful transfer of power in the chaotic aftermath of his 2020 loss, a bipartisan group of senators has unveiled plans for legislation to block future candidates from trying to steal a presidential election.
The proposals from Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic Senator Joe Manchin – joined by more than a dozen other senators from both parties, after months of planning – would update an archaic 19th century law that Mr Trump and his allies sought to exploit...
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May 6th, 2024
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