Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Voters and Election Workers at Election Centers

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and six colleagues in introducing bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at the ballot box. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would help ensure that every voter and election worker has the right to cast their ballot and conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA) is leading the introduction in the House.

The bill would update existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections.

The right to vote is a central pillar of American democracy, but rising political violence against voters and poll workers threatens election security. False allegations of widespread voter fraud have further increased tensions at election centers. As of May 2024, 38% of election workers have reported experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse.

Specifically, the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would:

• Amend Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act to establish a rebuttable presumption that a person carrying a visible firearm while engaging in election-related activities is engaging in voter intimidation;
• Provide civil remedies for individuals who experience this type of intimidation, including an emergency injunction that would allow the voter or election official to carry out their duties in peace; and
• Recognize an exception for law enforcement officers acting within their official duties.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Padilla, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) is cosponsoring the bill in the House of Representatives.

The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is endorsed by 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, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has been a long-time champion of voting rights legislation and protections. In March, Senator Hirono led 11 of her colleagues in introducing the Time Off to Vote Act, legislation that would require employers-upon the request of the employee-to provide at least two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in federal elections. In September 2023, Senator Hirono joined her colleagues on National Voter Registration Day in introducing a resolution recognizing September as "National Voting Rights Month." In September 2022, Senator Hirono introduced the Election Worker Protection Act, comprehensive legislation which would provide states with the resources to recruit and train election workers and ensure these workers' safety, while also instituting federal safeguards to shield election workers from intimidation and threats.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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