S. 4121: Vote Without Fear Act

This legislation, known as the Vote Without Fear Act, aims to enhance security at Federal election sites by prohibiting the unauthorized presence of firearms at these locations. Here is a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

Definition of Federal Election Site

A Federal election site is defined as any building or area where U.S., State, or political subdivision employees are involved in:

• Administering a polling place for Federal elections.
• Processing or counting the ballots cast in those elections.

Prohibition of Firearms

The bill makes it illegal for individuals to knowingly possess a firearm:

• Within 100 yards of the entrance of a Federal election site.

Exceptions to this prohibition include:

• Law enforcement officers and private security guards authorized to carry firearms while on duty.
• Firearms kept in a vehicle, as long as they are not removed or displayed near the site.
• Firearm possession in one's residence, business, or private property within 100 yards of an election site.

Penalties for Violations

The bill outlines penalties for violating the firearm prohibition:

• For unauthorized possession: Fines and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year.
• For possession with the intent to use the firearm in a crime: Fines and/or imprisonment of up to 5 years.

Homicide Related to Violations

Additionally, if an individual commits homicide during a violation of this act or during an attack on a Federal election site using a firearm, they will face severe legal consequences, which correlate with existing murder and manslaughter laws.

Clerical Amendment

The bill also includes a clerical amendment to update the table of sections in the U.S. Code to reflect this new prohibition on unauthorized firearm possession at Federal election sites.

Relevant Companies

None found.