Polling Place Standards Act
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9890, the Polling Place Standards Act, would amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to set new requirements for in-person voting locations in federal elections. States would have to provide at least one polling place or vote center for every 2,000 registered voters, and ensure these sites are geographically distributed rather than concentrated in one area. States would be exempt from these requirements if they allow all voters (or let jurisdictions allow voters) to cast federal ballots by mail or drop box. The bill also requires that polling places be adequately staffed, considering factors such as voter numbers, accessibility needs, and whether wait times stay at 30 minutes or less. It creates a federal grant program, administered by the Election Assistance Commission, to help states meet these standards, and authorizes unspecified appropriations to fund the Act.
The bill primarily affects state and local election officials, who would bear new planning, staffing, and siting obligations, and voters, who could see changes in the number and placement of polling locations depending on how their state currently conducts elections.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 22, 2026, by Rep. Nikema Williams with several cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on House Administration. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or further action, and its future consideration is uncertain.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 22, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9890 do?
- H.R. 9890, the Polling Place Standards Act, would amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to set new requirements for in-person voting locations in federal elections. States would have to provide at least one polling place or vote center for every 2,000 registered voters, and ensure these sites are geographically distributed rather than concentrated in one area. States would be exempt from these requirements if they allow all voters (or let jurisdictions allow voters) to cast federal ballots by mail or drop box. The bill also requires that polling places be adequately staffed, considering factors such as voter numbers, accessibility needs, and whether wait times stay at 30 minutes or less. It creates a federal grant program, administered by the Election Assistance Commission, to help states meet these standards, and authorizes unspecified appropriations to fund the Act. The bill primarily affects state and local election officials, who would bear new planning, staffing, and siting obligations, and voters, who could see changes in the number and placement of polling locations depending on how their state currently conducts elections. The bill was introduced in the House on July 22, 2026, by Rep. Nikema Williams with several cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on House Administration. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or further action, and its future consideration is uncertain.
- Has H.R. 9890 become law?
- Not yet. As of 22 Jul 2026, H.R. 9890 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9890?
- H.R. 9890 was sponsored by Rep. Nikema Williams [D-GA5] (Democrat-GA), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9890?
- Introduced (22 Jul 2026).
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