Bill · S. 4121· Senate(119-S-4121)
Vote Without Fear Act
- Introduced
- 3/17/2026
- Last activity
- 3/17/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Christopher Murphy
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Vote Without Fear Act" makes it illegal to knowingly have a firearm inside or within 100 yards of an entrance to a Federal election site. Federal election sites include places where employees administer polling places or process and count ballots for Federal office. There are exceptions for on-duty law enforcement, authorized private security, firearms left in vehicles, and firearms on private property, residences, or businesses. Violators face fines and prison time, with harsher penalties if there is intent to commit a crime or if a killing occurs.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?+7
Creates new restrictions on firearm possession in specific sensitive areas (election sites).
Does this protect the right to vote?+6
Protects the safety of voters and election officials to ensure a secure voting process.
Does this make elections run better?+6
Protects the integrity of the electoral process by reducing the risk of firearm-related violence at polling sites.
The opposite
Would gun owners be better off under this?-8
Imposes criminal penalties and restrictions on where they can carry firearms.
Does this protect the right to own guns?-7
Imposes new legal restrictions and criminal penalties on the possession of firearms near election sites.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-4
Overrides state laws regarding firearm possession by establishing a federal prohibition at election sites.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Safety at Polling Sites: By prohibiting unauthorized firearms in or near Federal election sites, the bill aims to protect people engaged in the administration, processing, or counting of ballots (Sec. 2(b)(1)(A)).
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Strict Penalties for Violence: The bill establishes severe punishments for anyone who kills or attempts to kill another person during an attack on a Federal election site involving a firearm (Sec. 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Criminal Penalties for Possession: Individuals who knowingly possess a firearm within 100 yards of a Federal election site entrance could face a fine and up to 1 year in prison (Sec. 2(b)(2)).
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Severe Penalties for Intent: Individuals possessing a firearm near a Federal election site with the intent to use it in a crime face up to 5 years in prison and fines (Sec. 2(c)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gun Control Measures+7Improves Voting Rights+6Improves Voting Access+5Improves Second Amendment Protections-7
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Gun Owners-8
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Electoral Process+6Increases Federal Power+4Increase States Rights-4
- 6/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/17/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire