Republicans in Congress have introduced a controversial new bill dubbed the Make Elections Great Again Act, or MEGA Act, which seeks to impose unprecedented voting restrictions at a federal level. Led by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wisc.), the chair of the House Administration Committee, the measure has raised significant concerns among voting rights advocates and Democrats.
The MEGA Act is regarded as an escalation following last year’s SAVE Act, which was criticized by historians for being one of the most aggressive assaults on voting rights in U.S. history. This new proposal aims to implement several strict requirements, including a mandatory photo ID for voting, a centralized voter surveillance system in each state, constant voter roll purges, and significant limitations on mail-in voting. These measures come at a time when GOP-led anti-voting efforts have been gaining momentum, largely influenced by former President Donald Trump and various anti-voting organizations.
One of the most significant components of the MEGA Act demands that states create a centralized, interactive computerized voter registration list, positioning this database as the primary controller of federal elections. This initiative is intended to synchronize information across government databases, raising alarm about potential errors related to voter eligibility and the risk of unjust disenfranchisement.
Moreover, the bill intensifies scrutiny over voter registration by requiring states to verify U.S. citizenship documentation before allowing individuals to register to vote. It further states that individuals flagged as ineligible would be added to a publicly available list while they attempt to contest their status—a move that critics argue compromises individual privacy and rights.
The proposed legislation has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic leaders. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) condemned the bill as a sweeping attempt to undermine democracy and suppress voter participation. He emphasized that this legislative action reflects a broader strategy by Republicans to control electoral outcomes by limiting access to the ballot.
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) similarly criticized the MEGA Act as a response to Republicans’ failed attempts to advance the less stringent SAVE Act. He underscored that the drive to impose such stringent regulations is indicative of a party unable to resonate with the electorate on pressing issues like economic distress.
As this proposal moves through legislative channels, GOP leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, express plans to push a version of the Act through the Senate. The contention surrounding the MEGA Act has significant implications for the future of voting rights in the United States, as advocates stress the necessity of making elections accessible rather than obstructive.
With the ongoing discussions around election integrity and access, the MEGA Act serves as a focal point in the contentious landscape of U.S. democracy, illustrating the stark divisions in how political parties perceive and approach the fundamental right to vote.