Vote Without Fear Act

Bans guns near federal polling places

If enacted, this bill would ban knowingly possessing or causing a firearm to be in, or within 100 yards of, an entrance to a federal election site. A federal election site is a building where a government worker runs a polling place or processes or counts ballots for a federal election. The bill would allow on-duty federal, state, or local law enforcement and authorized private security hired by the owner. A firearm kept in a vehicle would be allowed if it is not removed from the vehicle or brandished while the vehicle is in or within 100 yards. Otherwise lawful possession in a residence, place of business, or on private property in or within 100 yards would also be allowed. Violations would be punishable by a fine, up to 1 year in prison, or both; up to 5 years applies if the person intended the firearm to be used in a crime. A killing during such a violation or an attack involving a firearm would be punished under existing federal murder and manslaughter statutes.