Sponsors (4)
Makes unauthorized possession or presence of a firearm at or within 100 yards of a Federal election site a federal crime with penalties up to 1 year (5 years if intended for use in a crime).
The bill boosts safety and deterrence at federal election sites and clarifies federal enforcement, but does so at the cost of added legal risk and practical burdens for lawful gun owners and higher enforcement costs for taxpayers.
Voters and election workers gain increased physical safety because unauthorized firearms are banned within 100 yards of federal election sites, reducing the risk of intimidation or violence at polling places and ballot-counting locations.
Voters and election workers are better protected by stronger criminal deterrence and penalties (up to 5 years) for possessing a firearm with intent to commit a crime at election sites, which may reduce planned attacks or intimidation.
Local and state governments benefit from clearer federal jurisdiction and enforcement authority to protect polling places and ballot-counting locations, which can improve coordination and legal clarity during elections.
Lawful gun owners (including traveling voters) risk arrest or prosecution if they misjudge whether a location falls within the 100-yard 'Federal election site' boundary, creating legal uncertainty and potential criminal exposure for otherwise lawful behavior.
Traveling voters and other lawful gun owners may lose practical access to their firearms near polling places because the vehicle exemption requires firearms remain stowed and not be removed or brandished, limiting self-defense options while voting or traveling.
Taxpayers could face higher federal prosecution and incarceration costs and the Department of Justice may incur increased workload around elections due to expanded criminal enforcement tied to these protections.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Official title: To prohibit the unauthorized possession of a firearm at a Federal election site.
Introduced March 17, 2026 by Raul Ruiz · Last progress March 17, 2026
Creates a federal crime that makes it illegal to possess or be present with a firearm in, or within 100 yards of an entrance to, a known or reasonably believed Federal election site. Penalties include up to 1 year imprisonment (or a fine, or both), with an enhanced penalty of up to 5 years if the firearm is possessed with intent to use it in a crime; killings during violations remain punishable under existing homicide statutes. The bill defines "Federal election site," and lists exemptions for on-duty authorized law enforcement and certain private security, firearms secured inside vehicles (not removed or brandished), and lawful possession inside a residence, place of business, or private property that lies within the 100-yard zone.