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Has the House extended proxy voting rules enacted early in the pandemic?

Tuesday, January 5, 2021
By Sabrina Scoggin
YES

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the House of Representatives has repeatedly extended temporary rule changes permitting members to vote by proxy instead of in person for roll call “yea or nay” votes. Rules enacted on Jan. 4, 2021, for the new term of Congress included the provisions, the Associated Press reported. (There was a lapse at the end of the previous term pending the adoption of the new rules, so members were required to appear in person on Jan. 3 to establish an opening-day quorum.)

House members who wish to cast a proxy vote electronically transmit a letter designating a proxy, who will vote in person on their behalf, and provide their proxy with written instructions on how to vote on a pending matter.

The Senate hasn't waived its rules requiring to members to vote in person. Neither house has considered permitting remote voting.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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