Bill Overview
Title: Vote Without Fear Act
Description: This bill establishes new federal criminal offenses for possessing a firearm or causing a firearm to be present in or within 100 yards of a federal election site.
Sponsors: Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals eligible to vote globally in elections
Estimated Size: 240000000
- The bill establishes federal criminal offenses for possessing firearms near federal election sites.
- This bill is aimed at enhancing voter safety and reducing intimidation at polling places.
- All eligible voters attending federal election sites could be impacted due to increased security measures.
Reasoning
- The policy targets approximately 240 million eligible voters in the U.S., focusing on their safety during voting.
- Not all voters will perceive or be directly impacted by the policy at comparable levels, as some may not vote in person or near federal election sites.
- In the first year, the budget, while large, suggests not all eligible voters will be directly engaged or encounter enhanced security measures from this policy.
- There will be varied responses based on demographic, socioeconomic status, location, and prior experiences with voting and perception of safety, leading to differing impacts on self-reported wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (Austin, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy is a good step towards ensuring that everyone can vote without feeling intimidated.
- I usually feel safe, but knowing there are additional measures comforts me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Farmer (Rural Montana)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see how this policy affects me directly.
- We don't have issues with safety around here during elections.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Freelancer (Brooklyn, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've felt intimidated before with firearms near poll sites, so this policy is a relief.
- Knowing firearms are restricted helps me feel safer voting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Since I vote by mail, this policy doesn't impact me directly.
- I'm all for safety, though I don't believe it's necessary.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
University Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having fewer firearms around on voting day makes me feel safer.
- It encourages me and others to participate more actively in elections.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Nurse (Columbus, OH)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad the government is taking steps to ensure voter safety.
- Hopefully, it reduces any disturbances we hear about in the news.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Lawyer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't generally feel unsafe at polling sites, but additional measures don't hurt.
- As a firearm owner, I see this more as public safety precedence.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Teacher (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems like a necessary precaution given today's climate.
- Even though I vote by mail, I feel peace of mind knowing in-person voters are safer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Sales Manager (Dallas, TX)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the intent, though I don't think it influences my voting habits.
- The policy is more relevant to those who experience intimidation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
College Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a new voter, I find this law reassuring.
- Knowing my first voting experience is safer is quite encouraging.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 2: $160000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $190000000)
Year 3: $170000000 (Low: $140000000, High: $200000000)
Year 5: $190000000 (Low: $160000000, High: $220000000)
Year 10: $250000000 (Low: $210000000, High: $290000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $80000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill is primarily aimed at enhancing voter safety by deterring firearm presence near voting sites.
- The legislation introduces the need for additional federal oversight and compliance checks.
- State and local election budgets may need adjustments to align with the new federal requirements.