Legis Daily

Vote Without Fear Act

USA119th CongressS-4121| Senate 
| Updated: 3/17/2026
Christopher Murphy

Christopher Murphy

Democratic Senator

Connecticut

Cosponsors (1)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4977
Vote Without Fear Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-5232
Vote Without Fear Act
Mar 17, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7965
Introduced in House
Mar 17, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 17, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4977
    Vote Without Fear Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-5232
    Vote Without Fear Act


  • March 17, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7965
    Introduced in House


  • March 17, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 17, 2026
    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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4977
Vote Without Fear Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-5232
Vote Without Fear Act
Mar 17, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7965
Introduced in House
Mar 17, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 17, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4977
    Vote Without Fear Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-5232
    Vote Without Fear Act


  • March 17, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7965
    Introduced in House


  • March 17, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 17, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Christopher Murphy

Christopher Murphy

Democratic Senator

Connecticut

Cosponsors (1)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted