(13) Vote-by-mail typically increases turnout in all elections, but can be particularly effective in increasing voter participation in special elections and primary elections. Oregon and Washington, the 2 States with the longest standing vote by mail systems, continue to have consistently high voter turnout rates. In the 2012 primary elections, while the national average turnout was 18 percent, Oregon’s was 45 percent and Washington’s was 38 percent. (14) A crucial component of a modern voting system is making it easy, affordable, and accessible to register to vote. Eighteen States and the District of Columbia introduced automatic voter registration legislation in 2015, and Oregon and California now automatically register their citizens to vote when they apply for a driver’s license. Automatic, permanent voter registration has the potential to increase participation, protect election integrity, and reduce registration costs. 3. Promoting ability of voters to vote by mail in Federal elections (a) Voting by mail in Federal elections (1) In general Subtitle A of title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 ( 52 U.S.C. 21081 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 303 the following new section: 303A. Promoting ability of voters to vote by mail (a) In general If an individual in a State is eligible to cast a vote in an election for Federal office, the State may not impose any additional conditions or requirements on the eligibility of the individual to cast the vote in such election by mail, except to the extent that the State imposes a deadline for returning the ballot to the appropriate State or local election official. (b) Provision of ballot materials Not later than 2 weeks before the date of any election for Federal office, each State shall mail ballots to individuals who are registered to vote in such election. (c) Accessibility for individuals with disabilities All ballots provided under this section shall be accessible to individuals with disabilities in a manner that provides the same opportunity