Election Worker and Polling Place Protection Act

HR 9968, the Election Worker and Polling Place Protection Act, makes it a federal crime to interfere with or intimidate election workers, poll watchers, or voters. It imposes fines up to $2,500 or up to 6 months in prison for threats, force, or property damage targeting polling places or election infrastructure (like voting machines or voter registration systems). Penalties increase to $5,000 or 1 year in prison if bodily injury occurs or dangerous weapons are used. The law explicitly excludes minor property damage ("de minimus") and requires federal prosecution only with the Attorney General's certification. It directly affects election workers, voters, and election infrastructure operators nationwide.