Sponsors (2)
The bill increases safety around polling places by restricting firearms within 100 yards and strengthening federal enforcement to deter and punish attacks, but it also narrows where people can lawfully display or carry firearms near election sites and raises the risk of federal prosecutions and legal costs for nearby residents, vehicle owners, and others.
Voters, election workers, and people at nearby schools/universities are less likely to face armed intimidation at polling places and ballot-counting sites because firearms are restricted within 100 yards of those sites.
Voters and election staff face a lower risk of violence at election sites because the bill creates criminal penalties (including up to 5 years imprisonment) for possessing firearms with intent to commit a crime at those locations.
Election workers and voters benefit from clearer federal enforcement authority and defined penalties, enabling federal prosecution for serious attacks on election sites (including homicide), which strengthens deterrence and accountability.
People living or working on private property within 100 yards of polling places may have their ability to visibly possess firearms lawfully on their own property restricted during elections.
The bill increases the scope of federal prohibitions and enforcement near polling sites, which may lead to more federal investigations or prosecutions and higher legal costs for individuals accused of violations.
Lawful vehicle owners could face criminal risk or confrontations with police if a firearm in a vehicle is perceived as being removed or brandished within 100 yards of an election site.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Creates a federal ban on knowingly possessing a firearm at or within 100 yards of federal election polling or ballot processing sites, with limited exceptions and penalties.
Introduced March 17, 2026 by Christopher Murphy · Last progress March 17, 2026
Makes it a federal crime to knowingly possess a firearm at or within 100 yards of a federal election site (places where federal polling, ballot processing, or counting occur). The bill creates a two-tier penalty structure: simple unlawful possession carries up to 1 year in prison or a fine, while possession within 100 yards with intent to use the firearm in a crime carries up to 5 years. Limited exceptions apply for on‑duty law enforcement, authorized private security, firearms lawfully kept and not brandished in vehicles, and lawful possession on private residences or businesses. Violent acts during these offenses remain prosecutable under existing federal homicide and assault laws.