If enacted, SB5232 would significantly amend Chapter 44 of Title 18 of the United States Code to incorporate these firearm restrictions. The intended impact of this legislation is to create a safer environment for voters and election workers alike, taking a proactive stance against potential threats that may deter individuals from participating in the electoral process. By clearly defining 'federal election sites' and establishing legal penalties for violations, the bill aims to uphold the integrity of federal elections and promote the right to vote without fear.
Summary
Senate Bill 5232, known as the Vote Without Fear Act, is a legislative proposal aimed at prohibiting the unauthorized possession of firearms at federal election sites. The bill seeks to enhance security at polling places and during the processing and counting of ballots. Under the proposed law, it would be unlawful for individuals to knowingly possess or cause a firearm to be present within 100 yards of an entrance to a federal election site, with specified exceptions for law enforcement and authorized security personnel. Violations of this provision could result in fines or imprisonment for up to one year. More serious penalties apply for possession with intent to commit a crime near election sites, including potential imprisonment for up to five years.
Contention
As with many gun control measures, the Vote Without Fear Act may face opposition from certain groups advocating for Second Amendment rights. Controversies surrounding gun regulations often involve balancing public safety with individual rights, leading to heated debates about the extent and enforcement of such laws. Advocates for the bill argue that ensuring safety at polling places is essential for a functioning democracy, while opponents may contend that such restrictions could infringe on personal freedoms and right to self-defense, particularly in the context of lawful firearms ownership.
Restoring Faith in Elections ActThis bill establishes certain standards for voting, including voting by mail, in federal elections. It also establishes certain requirements for voter registration and maintenance of official lists of eligible voters.First, the bill establishes certain requirements for voting by mail in federal elections, including by requiring mail-in ballots to be received by the time the polls close on election day.Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful to possess or return a mail-in ballot completed by another person (commonly referred to as ballot harvesting), with exceptions. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to one year, or both.Further, the bill establishes certain requirements for reporting results of federal elections, including by requiring states to count all eligible ballots within 24 hours after the election.Next, the bill provides for the automatic registration of eligible voters. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to implement these automatic voter registration programs.It also requires states and jurisdictions to use standards that apply equally to all methods of voting used in federal elections, including standards related to signature verification.Finally, the bill establishes the National Deconfliction Voting Database and Clearinghouse to serve as a database and clearinghouse for voter registration records and lists of eligible voters. Additionally, each state must certify that it has removed ineligible voters from the official list of eligible voters prior to the federal election.