Blumenthal Cosponsors Bill to Combat Voter Suppression & Intimidation

[Hartford, CT] Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined Senate colleagues to introduce the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act, to address the rise in voter suppression practices and intimidation in federal elections. The bill was led by U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks, (D-Md.) and cosponsored by Senators Blumenthal (D-CT), Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cantwell (D-Wash.), Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Hirono (D-Hawaii), Merkley (D-Ore.), Padilla (D-Calif.), and Schiff (D-Calif.).

In response to an increase in misinformation and intimidation surrounding federal elections and continued efforts to undermine fair and free elections, the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act criminalizes knowingly spreading false information about the time, place, or manner of voting, or voter qualifications, and threatening or coercing individuals to not vote or vote a certain way.

"The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act makes it illegal to knowingly deceive voters and engage in voter intimidation-strengthening voter rights and empowering individuals to access reliable information about elections while holding bad actors accountable," said Blumenthal. "The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and in a time where voter suppression tactics and a deluge of disinformation threaten our democratic process, we need guardrails to uphold fair and free elections."

"The freedom to vote includes the freedom to access accurate information about our elections. Those looking to intimidate and spread false information about our free and fair elections must be held accountable - the strength of our democracy depends on it," said Senator Alsobrooks. "I am proud to work alongside my friend, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who has worked tirelessly for years to strengthen our voting rights. Together, I know we can get this done."

The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act would:

• Assign criminal penalties for deceptive practices and intimidation;
• Require authorities to take corrective actions when disinformation is reported;
• Mandate reporting by the DOJ after each general election on deceptive practices complaints received; and
• Address challenges created by new artificial intelligence-generated disinformation

The legislation is endorsed by the Brennan Center for Justice, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, People For the American Way, End Citizens United, and NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.

Read the full bill text here.

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