Kansas proposal would punish threats against election officials

The proposal would make intentionally intimidating, threatening, coercing, or attempting to do so against an election official a severity level 7 nonperson felony. Covered officials include county clerks, election commissioners, election judges and clerks, election board members, and others performing official election duties; poll agents are excluded. The person must act verbally, in writing, or through physical acts. The person must intend to interfere with the official's duties or retaliate for the official's performance of those duties. The crime would not cover lawful enforcement actions against an election judge or other election official when state or federal law permits them. If enacted, the provision would take effect after publication in the statute book.