CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

George Whitesides (D-CA)

Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act

H.R. 10907 · House bill Government Operations and Politics

A Democratic bill with 38 Democratic cosponsors · See all 38 cosponsors

Last activity — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill is known as the Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act. It creates a private right of action so people harmed by federal election interference can take legal steps in court. The bill extends the statute of limitations to nine years for prosecuting certain election interference and voter intimidation crimes. It also places strict limits on when law enforcement can seize ballots and election equipment. Additionally, the legislation provides grants to states to set up tracking programs for mail-in and absentee ballots.

Yes· 3 of 8

  • Scored +7

    Does this make elections run better?

    The legislation protects election integrity by restricting the premature seizure of ballots and equipment and extending timelines to prosecute election interference.

  • Scored +7

    Does this protect the right to vote?

    The bill creates a private right of action for federal election interference and establishes federal grants for mail-in and absentee ballot tracking programs.

  • Scored +6

    Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?

    The bill establishes ballot tracking programs that make receipt and counting status information readily available online to voters and organizations.

The opposite

  • Scored -4

    Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?

    The bill extends the statute of limitations to nine years for prosecuting certain election interference and voter intimidation crimes.