Alex Padilla (D-CA)
Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act
A Democratic bill with 6 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
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 "Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act" aims to prohibit interference in Federal elections. It establishes a private right of action for individuals to seek relief from election interference and extends the statute of limitations for certain crimes to nine years. The bill also restricts the seizure of election records and equipment by law enforcement until legal challenges are resolved. Additionally, it authorizes grants for states to create programs that track the receipt of absentee and mail-in ballots.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +7
Does this protect the right to vote?
The bill strengthens voting rights by creating a private right of action for election interference and extending statutes of limitations for voter intimidation.
- Scored +6
Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice?
The bill improves access by funding state programs that track the status and receipt of mail-in and absentee ballots.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill increases transparency by providing detailed tracking of ballot applications and receipt statuses to voters.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Legal Recourse for Interference: An aggrieved person may bring a civil action in district court for declaratory or injunctive relief to stop violations of certain election laws, and courts may allow the prevailing party to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs. (Section 101)
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Extended Time to Prosecute Crimes: The statute of limitations for offenses related to troops at polls, interference by armed forces, intimidation of voters, and certain violations of the Voting Rights Act and National Voter Registration Act is extended to nine years. (Section 102)
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Protection of Election Records: State or Federal law enforcement are restricted from seizing election records or equipment until recounts, audits, or legal challenges are conclusively resolved, preventing disruptions during active disputes. (Section 201)
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Improved Ballot Tracking: States can establish programs to track and confirm the receipt of mail-in and absentee ballots, providing voters with specific information such as when applications were sent and whether a ballot was accepted or counted. (Section 301)
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Ballot Assistance: Information regarding ballot status can be made available to political parties and voter registration organizations to help return or cure mail-in ballots. (Section 301)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Law Enforcement Limitations: Law enforcement may be restricted from seizing election records or equipment even if there is a need to investigate, unless a judge determines there is clear and convincing evidence that the items are at risk of being destroyed. (Section 201)
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 protect the right to vote? — The bill strengthens voting rights by creating a private right of action for election interference and extending statutes of limitations for voter intimidation. Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice? — The bill improves access by funding state programs that track the status and receipt of mail-in and absentee ballots.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill strengthens protections under the Voting Rights Act by extending the statute of limitations for prosecution. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill provides clearer information for voters regarding their absentee ballot status. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill facilitates easier tracking of mail-in ballots through online and telephone systems.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill increases transparency by providing detailed tracking of ballot applications and receipt statuses to voters.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill authorizes $50,000,000 in federal grants to states for ballot tracking programs.
- 7/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
John HickenlooperDemocrat · Colorado
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Elissa SlotkinDemocrat · Michigan