Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act

This bill would let people harmed by troops or armed federal officers at polling places, or by voter intimidation, sue in federal court to stop the violation, and the court could award attorney fees. It would set a 9-year deadline for bringing charges under several federal election interference and voter intimidation laws. It would bar state and federal law enforcement from seizing ballots, election records, or election equipment until any recount, audit, or legal challenge is resolved, unless a federal judge finds clear and convincing evidence they are at risk of being destroyed. It would also authorize $50 million in fiscal year 2027 for grants to states that set up programs letting voters track their mail-in and absentee ballots.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Alex Padilla Democrat sponsor
• 7 cosponsors