Bill > S0729

This bill expands the existing legal protections against threats to public officials by specifically including election officials and poll workers as a protected category. Currently, threatening a public official is a felony, but the bill creates a separate misdemeanor offense for threats specifically targeting election workers, including poll workers, wardens, moderators, clerks, and board of canvassers members. The bill defines "election official" as any person appointed, hired, or assigned to a polling place whose qualifications and duties are prescribed by statute, town charter, or ordinance. Under the new provision, anyone who knowingly and willfully delivers a verbal or written threat to an election official or their immediate family—because of their performance of public duty, hostility toward their position, or other factors related to their public role—can be punished by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. This legislative change appears to be a response to increasing concerns about intimidation and threats directed at election workers, which could potentially discourage people from serving in these critical democratic roles.

Justice

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