Olszewski and McBride Introduce ASSURE Act to Expand Voter Registration Opportunities

October 13, 2026 Press Release (Washington, DC) – Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski today introduced the ASSURE Act to expand opportunities for eligible Americans to register to vote ahead of this year’s midterm elections. The bill would embed voter registration into everyday interactions with the federal government. Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride joined Olszewski as an original co-sponsor of the legislation. With the midterm elections just weeks away, voter registration deadlines are fast approaching across the country. In Maryland, the deadline to register is today, October 13. “As a government teacher, I spent years teaching my students that democracy only works when people participate in it,” said Congressman Olszewski. “That participation requires something basic: making sure people can register to vote and have their voices heard. If someone is interacting with their government to access veterans benefits, Social Security, or another federal service, we should use that opportunity to make sure they know how to register to vote.” “Access to the ballot box should be a basic promise of our democracy, not a privilege that depends on who occupies the White House,” said Congresswoman McBride. “The ASSURE Act puts that principle into practice by restoring voter registration opportunities that President Trump has rolled back and ensuring Americans have access to reliable election information. At a moment when this administration continues to undermine voting rights, particularly for Black Americans and communities of color, this work is more urgent than ever. I’m grateful to Rep. Olszewski for his leadership on this legislation, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard.” The ASSURE Act – short for the Agency Support for Secure and Universal Registration Enhancement Act – codifies a Biden-era executive order, later reversed by President Trump, that directed federal agencies to integrate voter registration opportunities into services Americans already use. It also restores a longstanding policy – also reversed by President Trump – that permits nonpartisan groups to provide voter registration assistance and civic participation information at naturalization ceremonies for new Americans. Together, these measures would give eligible Americans more opportunities to register without having to seek out a separate government office, website, or registration event. Olszewski has made expanding civic participation and strengthening democratic institutions a central focus of his work in Congress. He has also supported legislation to make Election Day a national holiday and require states to offer same-day voter registration. “We should make it easier for eligible Americans to participate in our democracy – not put up unnecessary barriers,” Congressman Olszewski said. “The ASSURE Act is a simple idea: meet people where they are, make registration easier, and make our democracy more accessible to everyone who is eligible to participate.” Issues : Congress