Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act

This bill would amend the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to ban anyone, including people acting under government authority, from intimidating, threatening, or coercing people who run federal elections, such as those who count votes, canvass, or certify results. In lawsuits over voter intimidation or intimidation of election workers, a person who visibly carries a real, imitation, or antique firearm while interacting with or observing voters or election workers would be presumed to have broken the law unless they show otherwise. State and local police acting in their official duties would not be subject to this presumption, but members of the National Guard would be. Courts could grant relief in these cases, including temporary limits on defendants carrying firearms.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Alex Padilla Democrat sponsor
• 8 cosponsors