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U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-17) has reintroduced a bill that would make carrying a visible firearm at a polling place presumptive evidence of voter intimidation.
Deluzio introduced the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act of 2026 on Sept 24 with U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) and U.S. Rep. Raúl Ruiz (D-California). The bill was first introduced in 2024.
The legislation would amend Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to create a rebuttable presumption that anyone carrying a visible firearm while engaged in election-related activity is intimidating voters. It would also give voters and election workers who face that kind of intimidation access to civil remedies, including emergency injunctions. Law enforcement officers acting in their official duties would be exempt.
Voter intimidation is already illegal under federal law. Supporters say the bill would set a clearer standard. Deluzio’s office cited survey data showing that, as of April 2026, 32 percent of local election workers reported threats, harassment or abuse.
“The right to vote is foundational to America’s democracy, and part of protecting that right is keeping official ballot drop sites and polling places free from intimidation,” Deluzio said.
The bill is endorsed by the Brennan Center for Justice, Defend the Vote Action Fund and the Fair Elections Center.
