U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has introduced a bill aimed at protecting voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at election centers. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act, co-sponsored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and six other senators, seeks to update the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at polling locations.
"The right to vote is a central pillar of American democracy," said Hirono. "Rising political violence against voters and poll workers threatens election security."
The legislation aims to amend Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, establishing a rebuttable presumption that carrying a visible firearm while engaging in election-related activities constitutes voter intimidation. It also provides civil remedies for those who experience such intimidation, including emergency injunctions allowing them to perform their duties without fear.
Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA) is leading the introduction of the bill in the House, with Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) among its cosponsors.
The bill has garnered endorsements from various organizations, including the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, GIFFORDS, Newtown Action Alliance, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives, Institute for Responsive Government, League of Conservation Voters, Center for American Progress, End Citizens United Action Fund, Common Cause, Defend the Vote Action Fund, Fair Elections Center, Democracy SENTRY, League of Women Voters, Public Citizen, Faith in Public Life Action, Sierra Club, and Voto Latino.
Senator Hirono has been an advocate for voting rights legislation. In March 2024 she introduced the Time Off to Vote Act which would require employers to provide paid leave for federal elections. She also supported resolutions recognizing September as “National Voting Rights Month” and introduced the Election Worker Protection Act in September 2022.
The full text of the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is available online.