Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act

This bill prohibits the intimidation of election officials and election workers by amending the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It creates a new legal presumption that displaying or carrying a visible firearm near election-related activities is intimidating, with exceptions for law enforcement officers acting within their official duties.

Sec. 2, Prohibiting intimidation of election officials and election workers: This section amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to add a new subsection (c) that makes it illegal for any person to intimidate, threaten, or coerce anyone for exercising powers or duties to administer Federal elections, including vote counting, tabulation, canvassing, and election certification, or because of their status as a participant in election administration.

Sec. 3, Presumption that firearms near election-related conduct are intimidating: This section adds a new section 21 to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It creates a legal presumption that a person has violated voter intimidation laws if they display or carry a visible firearm, imitation firearm, or antique firearm while interacting with or observing someone voting, attempting to vote, or administering elections. This presumption can be overcome by an affirmative showing to the contrary. Law enforcement officers acting within their official duties are exempt from this presumption, but a court may still consider their possession of a firearm. Courts may grant appropriate relief, including reasonable temporary limits on carrying firearms by defendants.