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BILL • US HOUSE
HR 7965

Vote Without Fear Act

119th Congress
Introduced by Eleanor Holmes Norton, Raul Ruiz,

Prohibits unpermitted firearms within 100 yards of federal polling places, allowing up to 5 years imprisonment, while protecting voters and law‑enforcement duties.

Introduced in House
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Bill Summary • HR 7965

HR 7965 – Vote Without Fear Act

Introduced in House – March 17 2026

1️⃣ Purpose

The Vote Without Fear Act seeks to protect the integrity and safety of federal elections by prohibiting the unauthorized possession or display of firearms at any federal election site. It is intended to deter intimidation, vandalism, and violent acts that could disrupt the voting process.

2️⃣ Key Provisions

Section Core Requirement Enforcement Authority Penalty
§ 2(a)(1) Any person who knowsingly brings a firearm into, or within 100 yards of, a federal election site without lawful authorization may be fined and face up to 1 year in prison. U.S. Attorney, federal courts Fine + up to 1 year imprisonment
§ 2(a)(b) If the possessor intends to use the firearm in a crime (e.g., intimidation, vandalism), the punishment increases to a fine plus up to 5 years. Same as above Fine + up to 5 years imprisonment
§ 2(a)(c) Fatalities during a violation trigger the harsher federal homicide statutes ( §§ 1111–1117). Federal courts Full homicide penalties
§ 2(b) Exclusions – the law does not apply to: • Federal, state, or local law‑enforcement officers authorized to carry, who are on duty.• Firearms locked in vehicles within 100 yards, provided they are not removed or brandished.• Lawful possession on private property (residences or businesses) in the 100‑yard zone, provided the firearm is not present or brandished. N/A N/A

Definitions

  • Federal election site: any building or part of a building where a federal employee, state employee, or political subdivision official is administering a federal polling place or processing/counting ballots for a federal election.

Amendments – The bill adds § 935 to Title 18 of the U.S. Code, performing a clerical update to the table of sections.

3️⃣ Who Is Affected

Stakeholder Impact
Voters Increased safety and reduced intimidation at polling places.
Election officials Clear legal framework to enforce firearm restrictions on site.
Private property owners No change to lawful gun possession; protection remains intact.
Law‑enforcement & security personnel Rule clarifies that authorized officers may carry firearms on duty.
Punishment enforcement Feds now have defined statutes for prosecuting unauthorized gun presence and related crimes.

4️⃣ Procedural & Timeline

  • March 17 2026 – Bill introduced in the House by Rep. Raul Ruiz & Rep. Eleanor Norton.
  • Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Potential actions: committee mark‑up, a vote on the House floor, possible Senate consideration.
  • No public deadline is specified; typical legislative timelines suggest consideration within the session (2026‑2027).

Bottom line: The Vote Without Fear Act strengthens federal election security by criminalizing unauthorized firearms at polling sites while preserving lawful gun ownership and law‑enforcement duties. It is currently pending committee action.

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Key Provisions Impacts Timeline
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