Political Quotes

“I rise to introduce the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act of 2024. This legislation would amend section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act to establish a rebuttable presumption that carrying a visible firearm around election-related activities, such as voting or counting ballots, constitutes intimidation within the meaning of the VRA. This bill empowers voters and election workers to seek an emergency civil injunction against individuals or groups engaged in such intimidating conduct. Importantly, the bill provides an exemption for appropriate law enforcement officials and allows any group or individual facing suit to present evidence that they did not, in fact, intimidate any voters or election workers. Given the increasing political polarization this country faces and the Supreme Court's everchanging interpretation of the Second Amendment, the risk of violence at polling places and election offices has never been higher. This bill is essential to ensure that eligible individuals can continue to exercise their right to vote without fear of retribution or harm. It is imperative to protect our voters and dedicated election workers from threats of political violence by updating the Voting Rights Act's anti-intimidation provisions to address the specific threat posed by firearms around election activities. ______ By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. Hawley): S. 5172.…”