Dropbox Access Act
Requires states to provide secured absentee-ballot drop boxes in every county for federal elections.
In the House Administration Committee since Oct. 1, 2026, 7 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROOCT 1, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Absentee ballots need a way to get back to election officials before polls close. The bill would require states to provide secured drop boxes in every county for federal elections, with minimum numbers based on county voter counts. It would also set rules for access, placement, and ballot instructions.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Require a drop box in every county
States would have to provide in-person, secured, clearly labeled drop boxes for voted absentee ballots in every county. They would have to be available from 45 days before a federal election until polls close on election day.
- Set a minimum number of drop boxes
A county with at least 20,000 registered voters in the election would need at least one drop box for every 20,000 voters, rounded to the nearest whole number. Every other county would need at least one; voter counts would be measured 90 days before the election.
- Make boxes accessible and well located
States would have to ensure access for people with disabilities and people with limited English proficiency, and choose locations that are nondiscriminatory, available at all hours, and accessible by public transportation to the greatest extent possible. Locations must also serve rural communities and Tribal lands; election officials would consult Tribal leaders when deciding the number and placement of boxes on Tribal lands.
- Post ballot instructions at each box
States would have to post on or next to each drop box information about the requirements absentee ballots must meet to be counted. The bill would also add the new requirement to the Help America Vote Act’s enforcement provisions.
The bill does not state a specific problem or provide findings about current access to absentee ballot drop boxes. In practice, it would create a federal baseline for where and when voters can return voted absentee ballots and how states must make the boxes accessible.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedOCT 1, 2026HOUSEOCT 1, 2026By Rep. Scanlon with 2 original cosponsorsReferred to Administration
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeOCT 1, 2026ADMINISTRATION NOWOCT 1, 2026In committee for 7 daysNo hearing yet
- 7 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 7, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 2 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Scanlon’s record: sponsored 27 bills this Congress. 0 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Sylvia R. GarciaD-TX-29ORIGINAL
- Lateefah SimonD-CA-12ORIGINAL
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Discussion
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