Bill · S. 5491· Senate(119-S-5491)
Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act
- Introduced
- 9/23/2026
- Last activity
- 9/23/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Alex Padilla
- Cosponsors
- - 8 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. It makes it illegal to intimidate, threaten, or coerce election officials and workers who are doing their jobs. This includes people who count votes, tabulate results, canvass, or certify elections. The bill also creates a legal presumption that carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm, or antique firearm near voters or election workers is a form of intimidation. State and local law enforcement officers acting within their duties are generally exempt from this specific presumption. Courts are also given the power to grant relief, such as placing reasonable temporary limits on the carrying of firearms by defendants in these cases.
Yes
Does this make elections run better?+7
The bill enhances the integrity and safety of elections by protecting election officials and workers from intimidation and coercion.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+5
The bill establishes clear judicial enforcement mechanisms and legal standards regarding intimidation and firearm possession near election activities.
The opposite
Would gun owners be better off under this?-3
The bill creates a legal presumption that carrying visible firearms near election workers constitutes voter intimidation and allows courts to place temporary limits on firearm carrying.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 2: This provision explicitly prohibits anyone from intimidating, threatening, or coercing election officials and workers. This is positive because it protects the people running our elections from being harassed while doing their jobs.
-
Section 3: This section establishes that displaying or carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm, or antique firearm while interacting with or observing voters or election workers is presumed to be intimidation. This is beneficial because it helps keep polling places and election offices peaceful and safe.
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Section 3: Under subsection (c), courts can grant appropriate relief, which includes placing reasonable temporary limits on the carrying of firearms by defendants. This gives the judicial system a clear tool to stop threatening behavior involving weapons.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 3: This section explicitly states that members of the National Guard are not exempt from the firearm intimidation presumption, even if they are on duty under the command of a State governor. This could be viewed as burdensome for National Guard members who might carry firearms as part of their official state duties near election activities.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Electoral Process+7Improves Due Process+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Gun Owners-3
- 9/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Maria CantwellDemocrat · Washington
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Christopher MurphyDemocrat · Connecticut
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island