Bill > S398

This bill proposes to prohibit the possession or carrying of dangerous weapons at voting locations, creating new legal restrictions on weapons near polling places. Specifically, the bill defines a dangerous weapon using existing state law definitions and makes it illegal to possess such weapons at a voting place, within 100 feet of a voting place entrance, or while waiting in line to vote, but only during active voting hours. The prohibition applies to both openly and concealed weapons, with violators subject to a Class 1 misdemeanor, which typically carries potential penalties of up to 120 days in jail and a fine. The bill includes an important exception for law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity, ensuring that on-duty police can still carry weapons at voting locations. The new law is set to take effect on December 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date, giving election officials and the public advance notice of the new restrictions. The bill aims to enhance voter safety and prevent potential intimidation or violence at polling places by limiting the presence of weapons during the voting process.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S398