Makes Threats Against Voters a Crime
HR10926-119 · Introduced Oct 29, 2026
Why it matters
Election workers and voters who are threatened or attacked could see those who harm them face federal charges. Minor damage to property would not count as a violation.
What it does
- Bans force, threats, or violence aimed at keeping people from voting or serving as election workers or poll watchers
- Bans force or threats used to intimidate voters, poll watchers, or election workers
- Raises penalties to fines up to $5,000 or 1 year in prison if someone is hurt or a weapon is used
- Bans willfully damaging polling places or vote-counting sites, with a fine up to $2,500 or 6 months in prison
In committee
Next: a committee vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Housenot yet
- Senatenot yet
- Presidentnot yet
About this bill
Would make it a federal crime to use force, threats, or intimidation against voters, poll workers, or election workers. Penalties include fines up to $5,000 or prison time, and federal charges require certain approval.
Election Worker and Polling Place Protection Act
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Election groups would likely say the bill protects poll workers from threats and violence. They may argue that clear federal penalties help deter people from interfering with elections.
💬 The case against
Some civil liberties groups would likely say the wording is broad and could reach protected speech. They may also argue that existing state laws already cover these acts.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this federal bill are at the source link.
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