The SHIELD Our Elections Act strengthens protections against election interference and harassment by creating new legal tools for voters and election officials. The bill establishes a private right of action allowing people to sue in federal court for violations of laws prohibiting armed interference at polls, military interference in elections, and voter intimidation, with courts able to award attorney fees to prevailing parties. It extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting these election interference crimes from the current standard to nine years after the offense occurs, giving prosecutors more time to bring cases. The legislation also restricts law enforcement from seizing election records and equipment before recounts, audits, or legal challenges are completed, except when a judge finds clear and convincing evidence the materials face destruction. Finally, the bill authorizes $50 million in grants to states to establish ballot tracking programs that allow voters to monitor the status of their mail-in and absentee ballots online or by telephone, with information available to political parties and voter registration organizations to help voters cure or return ballots during the voting period.
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