1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose the MEGA Act introduced by Congressman Bryan Steil on February 1, 2026. This legislation represents a dangerous attempt to overhaul voting procedures just months before the November 2026 midterm elections, and it appears designed to suppress voter turnout rather than protect election integrity. The timing alone should raise serious concerns. Changing fundamental voting rules between elections, particularly through partisan legislation during an extremely polarized period, undermines the stability and legitimacy of our democratic process. Voters need consistent, predictable access to the ballot box, not last-minute barriers imposed by whichever party controls Congress. The practical impact of this bill would be devastating. According to a 2023 Brennan Center for Justice report, 21.3 million voting-age American citizens do not have proof of citizenship readily available. Almost half of Americans lack a U.S. passport. The citizenship verification requirements have historically disenfranchised married women whose last names do not match their birth certificates or other government documents. These are not hypothetical concerns but documented consequences of similar policies. The bill bans voting methods that millions of Americans rely on, including universal vote-by-mail systems and ranked choice voting currently used in Maine and Alaska. It requires mail-in ballots to arrive by close of polls on election day, eliminating the grace period that accounts for postal delays beyond voter control. These provisions do not make voting more secure. They make it harder for working people, rural voters, military members stationed overseas, and people with disabilities to participate. Even Republican election officials like Stephen Richer, former recorder in Maricopa County, Arizona, have criticized this legislation for flattening federalism and stripping states of their constitutional authority over elections. Opposition from officials who have consistently defended the integrity of our election systems against baseless claims should give you pause about the true intent of this bill. I urge you to reject this legislation and protect every eligible citizen's right to vote.