A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Vote Without Fear Act" makes it illegal to knowingly have a firearm inside or within 100 yards of an entrance to a Federal election site. Federal election sites include places where employees administer polling places or process and count ballots for Federal office. There are exceptions for on-duty law enforcement, authorized private security, firearms left in vehicles, and firearms on private property, residences, or businesses. Violators face fines and prison time, with harsher penalties if there is intent to commit a crime or if a killing occurs.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +7
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?
Creates new restrictions on firearm possession in specific sensitive areas (election sites).
- Scored +6
Does this protect the right to vote?
Protects the safety of voters and election officials to ensure a secure voting process.
- Scored +6
Does this make elections run better?
Protects the integrity of the electoral process by reducing the risk of firearm-related violence at polling sites.
The opposite
- Scored -8
Would gun owners be better off under this?
Imposes criminal penalties and restrictions on where they can carry firearms.
- Scored -7
Does this protect the right to own guns?
Imposes new legal restrictions and criminal penalties on the possession of firearms near election sites.
- Scored -4
Does this leave more decisions to the states?
Overrides state laws regarding firearm possession by establishing a federal prohibition at election sites.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Safety at Polling Sites: By prohibiting unauthorized firearms in or near Federal election sites, the bill aims to protect people engaged in the administration, processing, or counting of ballots (Sec. 2(b)(1)(A)).
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Strict Penalties for Violence: The bill establishes severe punishments for anyone who kills or attempts to kill another person during an attack on a Federal election site involving a firearm (Sec. 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Criminal Penalties for Possession: Individuals who knowingly possess a firearm within 100 yards of a Federal election site entrance could face a fine and up to 1 year in prison (Sec. 2(b)(2)).
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Severe Penalties for Intent: Individuals possessing a firearm near a Federal election site with the intent to use it in a crime face up to 5 years in prison and fines (Sec. 2(c)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns? — Creates new restrictions on firearm possession in specific sensitive areas (election sites). Does this protect the right to vote? — Protects the safety of voters and election officials to ensure a secure voting process. Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice? — Reduces the potential for voter intimidation by prohibiting unauthorized firearms at polling sites. Does this protect the right to own guns? — Imposes new legal restrictions and criminal penalties on the possession of firearms near election sites.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would gun owners be better off under this? — Imposes criminal penalties and restrictions on where they can carry firearms.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make elections run better? — Protects the integrity of the electoral process by reducing the risk of firearm-related violence at polling sites. Does this give the federal government more power? — Creates new federal criminal laws regarding firearm possession at state and local polling sites. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — Overrides state laws regarding firearm possession by establishing a federal prohibition at election sites.
- 6/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/17/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire