Ahead of the upcoming election and early voting period, Senator Chris Murphy has introduced the Vote Without Fear Act, legislation to prevent armed voter intimidation at the polls. The proposed bill would prohibit the possession of a firearm within 100 yards of any federal election site, with exceptions for on-duty law enforcement or security guards. Only six states – Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas – and the District of Columbia currently ban guns at the polls. 

Murphy says instances of private citizens bringing guns to polling places as well as threats against election workers are both on the rise.  He says free and fair elections cannot happen occur in the face of armed intimidation at the polls, adding that this legislation will ensure voters and election workers continue to feel safe participating in the democratic process.

 Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt says the right to cast a ballot safely and free from intimidation is fundamental to democracy.  He says this bill is welcomed, as the ADL continues to track potential threats of violence targeting the upcoming midterm election.  The ADL urged the Senate to move swiftly to pass this crucial legislation.