RELEASE: As Threats to Polling Places Rise Ahead of Midterms, Murphy Introduces Bicameral Bill to Stop Armed Voter Intimidation
Press (Murphy)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2026
CONTACT
Deni Kamper
AS THREATS TO POLLING PLACES RISE AHEAD OF MIDTERMS, MURPHY INTRODUCES BICAMERAL BILL TO STOP ARMED VOTER INTIMIDATION
WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) reintroduced the Vote Without Fear Act, legislation to prevent armed voter intimidation at the polls. The bill would prohibit the possession of a firearm within 100 yards of any federal election site, with exceptions for on-duty law enforcement or security guards. U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-36) is introducing companion language in the House. U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) co-sponsored the Senate bill.
Extreme partisanship and election-related conspiracy theories, fueled by Donald Trump’s baseless insistence that he won the 2020 election, have led to unprecedented threats of violence against voters and election administrators. Ahead of critical elections this year, The Vote Without Fear Act will take on this rising threat and prevent armed intimidation and voter suppression at the polls.
“As Donald Trump makes baseless claims of voter fraud the central theme of his 2026 agenda, I am introducing legislation to combat the threat of violence inspired by such wild conspiracies. Americans’ participation in our democracy has never been more important, and no one should have to weigh the choice between exercising that sacred right and their safety,” said Senator Murphy.
“Voting should never require courage. Americans should not have to worry about intimidation or threats when exercising their fundamental right to vote. The presence of firearms near polling places risks creating an atmosphere of intimidation that can discourage participation. The Vote Without Fear Act helps ensure that every voter can cast their ballot freely, safely, and without fear,” said Representative Ruiz.
“All Americans should be able to exercise their right to vote free from intimidation at the ballot box, and polling workers must feel secure while performing their vital roles,” said Senator Shaheen. “I am proud to help introduce this legislation, which is an important step to ensure all citizens feel safe at their polling place on election day.”
Full text of the bill is available here.
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