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Q&A: How Lawmakers Cast Proxy Votes During Coronavirus Pandemic

May 28, 2020

The House of Representatives is allowing lawmakers to cast votes by proxy this week for the first time, enabling members to vote remotely during the coronavirus pandemic. Here is how proxy voting works, and the logistical and legal challenges it faces.

Many lawmakers selected proxies who live near Washington, D.C., such as Mr. Raskin. Other lawmakers enlisted lawmakers who represent a nearby district but planned to travel to D.C. for the vote. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a proxy for some of her Florida colleagues, and fellow Democrat Rep. Derek Kilmer is a proxy for two fellow Washington state colleagues. Some have designated proxies even though they may show up in person. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D., Ore.) said in an interview that she asked Mr. Raskin to be a proxy, in case flight delays or cancellations prevented her from making it across the country.