S.J.Res. 186: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the fundamental right to vote.
A Senate joint resolution (S.J.Res.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.
Overview
| Congress | 119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Type | Senate joint resolution (S.J.Res.) |
| Originating chamber | Senate |
| Introduced | 2026-04-27 |
| Sponsor | Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] |
| Policy area | Government Operations and Politics |
| Cosponsors | 9 |
| Latest action | 2026-04-27 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2055) |
| Last updated | 2026-06-08 |
Summary
Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2026-04-27):
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment related to the fundamental right to vote.
Specifically, it grants every U.S. citizen of legal voting age the fundamental right to vote in any public election held in the jurisdiction in which the citizen resides.
Next, it specifies that the fundamental right to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States, a state, or a political subdivision of a state, unless the denial or abridgment is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest by the least restrictive means.
Finally, it repeals a specific portion of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which allows for the denial of the right to vote based on crime. (Currently, some states disallow individuals from voting, either temporarily or indefinitely, after incarceration for a felony.)
Cosponsors (9)
| Name | Party / state |
|---|---|
| Jeff Merkley | D OR (original cosponsor) 2026-04-27 |
| Mazie K. Hirono | D HI (original cosponsor) 2026-04-27 |
| Chris Van Hollen | D MD (original cosponsor) 2026-04-27 |
| Elizabeth Warren | D MA (original cosponsor) 2026-04-27 |
| Bernard Sanders | I VT (original cosponsor) 2026-04-27 |
| Richard Blumenthal | D CT (original cosponsor) 2026-04-27 |
| Alex Padilla | D CA (original cosponsor) 2026-04-27 |
| Edward J. Markey | D MA (original cosponsor) 2026-04-27 |
| Peter Welch | D VT (original cosponsor) 2026-04-27 |
Full text & official record
The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S.J.Res. 186 are published by Congress on congress.gov.
View S.J.Res. 186 on congress.gov →
Frequently asked questions
What is S.J.Res. 186?
S.J.Res. 186 is a Senate joint resolution (S.J.Res.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the fundamental right to vote..
Where can I read the full bill text?
The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S.J.Res. 186 are available on congress.gov.
Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).