The Fair Representation Act (H.R. 3863) is a bill filed in the United States House of Representatives. Originally introduced in 2017 during the 115th Congress by Don Beyer (D–VA), it was reintroduced by Beyer in 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2025.
The bill has three main provisions: Establish independent redistricting commissions in all states to prevent gerrymandering Creating multi-member districts for elections to the House of Representatives, with each district having 3 to 5 members Require the use of ranked choice voting, in particular single transferable vote, to elect members to the House
The Fair Representation Act has been endorsed by the non-profit activist group FairVote.
Purpose
Beyer has stated the goal of the bill is to reduce polarization and partisanship by incentivizing elected representatives to appeal to a broader range of voters. He further argues that ranked choice voting and multi-seat districts would reduce the number of safe-seat districts and encourage more political competition.
The act is also alleged to ensure more proportional representation, both with political parties but also with the election of more women and minority candidates. Additionally, it is argued that the act, if passed, would dramatically curb the potential for gerrymandered districts.
Legislative history +CongressShort titleBill numberDate introducedNumber ofcosponsorsLatest status115thFair Representation Act of 2017H.R. 3057July 14, 20175Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice116thFair Representation Act of 2019H.R. 4000July 25, 20197 Referred to Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties117thFair Representation Act of 2021H.R. 3863June 11, 20218Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on House Administration 118th Fair Representation Act of 2024 H.R. 7740 March 20, 2024 7 Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on House Administration119thFair Representation ActH.R.46327Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on House Administration
See also Single transferable vote Electoral reform in the United States Proportional representation in the United States Ranked-choice voting in the United States For the People Act
References