Proposal would restrict firearms near election sites and require signs

The vetoed proposal would have barred people from possessing a firearm or causing one to be present at an election site or within 100 feet of an entrance. An election site would include a polling place, a central vote-counting location, or a place where a ballot box or drop box is present. The restriction would not apply to officers in the stated circumstances, hired security staff, firearms kept in vehicles if not displayed or removed, or otherwise lawful firearms at nearby homes, businesses, or private property. A person charged over travel to reach or leave nearby private property could raise a defense if the trip was solely for that purpose. The defense would not apply if the person intimidated voters, interfered with the election, or passed through the election site for another reason. Other violations would be gross misdemeanors. Knowingly having a firearm at an election site with the specific intent to disrupt or monitor the election, vote count, or voters would be a category D felony. The proposal would have taken effect July 1, 2025, if enacted.

The county clerk, registrar of voters, or city clerk would have had to keep a warning sign posted at the outer edge of the restricted area while voting was conducted. The sign would have to be at least 17 by 11 inches, use large letters, and be clearly visible to people approaching the area. Officials could combine the sign with certain other election signs. The sign would have to remain posted during the period when voting was conducted at the site.