New Measure Seeks to Increase Penalties for Interfering with Elections

 March 9, 2026

House Bill 301 would broaden the existing crime of “breach of peace or violence on Election Day” and increase potential penalties for violators.

Under the bill, any person using "violence or threats of violence at or near a polling place, a Department of Elections office, or a meeting of the Board of Canvass," would face a Class G felony charge, which carries a presumptive sentence of six months in prison (Level V). "A breach of peace intended to impede, hinder, or interfere with the peaceful conduct of the election or reading and counting of ballots" would earn the same penalty under the proposal.

HB 301 is pending action in the House Elections & Government Affairs Committee.