To establish the use of ranked choice voting in elections for Senators and Representatives in Congress, to require each State with more than one Representative to establish multi-member congressional districts, to require States to conduct congressional redistricting according to nonpartisan criteria, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · March 20, 2024
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
# Fair Representation Act Summary
This bill would fundamentally restructure how Americans elect representatives to Congress through three major reforms. First, it requires all states to use ranked choice voting for Senate and House elections, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference instead of selecting just one. Second, it mandates that states with six or more representatives create multi-member districts electing three to five representatives each, while states with five or fewer representatives must elect all representatives at large. Third, it establishes strict nonpartisan redistricting standards prohibiting partisan gerrymandering and requiring states to follow specific criteria when drawing districts, including compliance with the Voting Rights Act and protection of communities of interest.
The bill affects all states and voters in federal elections. It provides federal funding to states for implementing ranked choice voting, with payments ranging from $4 to $8 per registered voter, though specific appropriation amounts are not specified. Ranked choice voting would begin with Senate elections in 2026 and House elections following the 2030 census. Multi-member districts and new redistricting rules would apply to elections for the 123rd Congress and beyond, beginning with the 2032 elections. The legislation includes detailed enforcement mechanisms allowing courts to develop redistricting plans if states fail to comply and permits private lawsuits to challenge violations, with expedited review procedures to resolve disputes quickly.
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