This legislation aims to enhance safety and prevent intimidation at federal election sites by prohibiting the unauthorized possession of firearms. It defines a Federal election site as any building or part thereof used for administering a polling place or processing and counting ballots for federal office. The bill makes it unlawful for an individual to knowingly possess or cause a firearm to be present in, or within 100 yards of an entrance to, such a site. However, the prohibition includes several exceptions , such as for on-duty law enforcement officers, private security, and firearms securely kept within a vehicle without being removed or brandished. It also permits otherwise lawful possession on private property, in a residence, or place of business within the designated zone. Violations can result in fines or imprisonment for up to one year, with significantly increased penalties of up to five years if the firearm is possessed with the intent to commit a crime. The bill further outlines severe punishments, including those for murder or manslaughter, if such acts occur during a violation or an attack on an election site involving a firearm.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Crime and Law Enforcement
Vote Without Fear Act
USA119th CongressS-4121| Senate
| Updated: 3/17/2026
This legislation aims to enhance safety and prevent intimidation at federal election sites by prohibiting the unauthorized possession of firearms. It defines a Federal election site as any building or part thereof used for administering a polling place or processing and counting ballots for federal office. The bill makes it unlawful for an individual to knowingly possess or cause a firearm to be present in, or within 100 yards of an entrance to, such a site. However, the prohibition includes several exceptions , such as for on-duty law enforcement officers, private security, and firearms securely kept within a vehicle without being removed or brandished. It also permits otherwise lawful possession on private property, in a residence, or place of business within the designated zone. Violations can result in fines or imprisonment for up to one year, with significantly increased penalties of up to five years if the firearm is possessed with the intent to commit a crime. The bill further outlines severe punishments, including those for murder or manslaughter, if such acts occur during a violation or an attack on an election site involving a firearm.