Where Research Becomes Law.
DLF tracks, analyzes, and advocates on the legislation that determines who gets to vote in America. Our policy work is grounded in NCRRRI's independent research and guided by a commitment to equal civic participation.
Our 2025–26 Agenda
DLF's legislative priorities are determined by the severity of disenfranchisement impact, the viability of legislative action, and the strategic moment for reform. The following issue areas represent our active advocacy focus for the current session.
Felony Disenfranchisement
More than 5.17 million Americans — including 1 in 16 Black adults — are barred from voting due to felony convictions. These laws vary dramatically by state, with some permanently stripping voting rights and others restoring them automatically upon release.
DLF supports automatic restoration of voting rights upon release from incarceration, and advocates for the repeal of laws that permanently disenfranchise individuals who have completed their sentences.
Restrictive Voter ID Laws
Strict photo ID requirements create barriers that disproportionately burden low-income voters, elderly citizens, students, and communities of color — groups less likely to possess qualifying government-issued identification.
DLF opposes strict photo ID mandates without accessible free ID programs and advocates for expanded acceptable ID options, including non-photo alternatives and affidavit provisions.
Voter Purge Practices
Aggressive voter roll purges — often conducted without adequate notice — remove eligible voters before elections. NCRRRI research documents a doubling of purge rates in 14 states since 2020, with majority-minority precincts disproportionately affected.
DLF advocates for strict notice requirements, extended cure periods, and independent oversight of voter roll maintenance to prevent the wrongful removal of eligible voters.
Redistricting Integrity
Partisan and racial gerrymandering dilutes the voting power of minority communities and distorts representative democracy. DLF monitors redistricting cycles and supports independent commission models that remove partisan control from the mapmaking process.
DLF supports independent redistricting commissions, mandatory public comment periods, and judicial review standards that account for racial vote dilution under the Voting Rights Act.
Restoration of Rights
Even where restoration is technically available, bureaucratic barriers — including lengthy waiting periods, discretionary review boards, and application fees — prevent most eligible individuals from reclaiming their voting rights.
DLF champions automatic, streamlined, and fee-free rights restoration processes and opposes discretionary systems that introduce racial and socioeconomic disparities into the restoration process.
Bills We're Watching
DLF staff monitor active legislation across all 50 states and the U.S. Congress. The following bills are currently under active analysis.
| Bill | Title | Chamber | Status | Last Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S. 1142 | Voting Rights Restoration Act | Senate | Committee | Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee, June 2026 |
| H.R. 4891 | Second Chance Voting Act | House | Introduced | Introduced by Rep. Johnson, May 2026 |
| H.R. 2203 | Accessible Voting Act | House | Markup | Passed House Administration Committee, July 2026 |
| S. 887 | Free and Fair ID Act | Senate | Committee | Hearing scheduled, August 2026 |
| S. 2041 | Voter Roll Integrity Act | Senate | Introduced | Introduced, April 2026 |
| H.R. 3301 | Independent Redistricting Commission Act | House | Floor Vote | Scheduled for floor vote, July 2026 |
Read Our Policy Briefs
DLF publishes in-depth policy analysis on each of our priority issue areas. Download our latest briefs from the Research & Resources section.
View Research & Resources