House Bill Would Presume Visible Guns Near Voters Are Intimidation

A bill filed in the U.S. House would treat a visible firearm near voters or election workers as presumed intimidation in federal enforcement suits, Bearing Arms reports. Writer Tom Knighton argues it would sweep in people who simply carry openly when they go to vote.

Key points

• The bill: House Bill 10545 was introduced by Rep. Christopher Deluzio, a Pennsylvania Democrat, as a measure against the intimidation of election officials and workers.
• The presumption: In a suit under the voter intimidation section, anyone who openly displays or carries a gun, including an imitation or antique firearm, while dealing with or watching someone vote would be presumed in violation unless they prove otherwise by a preponderance of the evidence.
• Election workers: The same presumption would cover a visible gun around people who administer elections.
• Support so far: According to the article, the bill has a single co-sponsor, and Knighton sees little chance it passes.

Quick take

Knighton notes that some states already bar open carry at polling places and many polling sites are gun-free zones, but says carry is allowed in a lot of places. He calls the bill a solution in search of a problem, saying there is no evidence of armed voters intimidating anyone. In his reading, a holstered gun on someone waiting in line, or one exposed when a coat shifts, could be enough to bring a case.

Read the full story at Bearing Arms.