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HB 3301

ELEC CD-ELEC WORKER HARASSMENT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Marcus Evans

HB 3301 creates a dedicated offense to deter harassment of election workers and polling-site attendees, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses within three years.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3301

Summary of HB 3301 (Illinois)

Overview

HB 3301, introduced February 18, 2025 by Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr., amends the Illinois Election Code to prohibit harassment of election workers and of individuals lawfully present at polling places or canvassing locations. The bill establishes penalties for violations and defines key terms.

  • Status: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
  • Primary sponsor: Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr.
  • Related actions: Introduced 2/18/2025; subsequently assigned to Judiciary – Criminal; later moved to Rules Committee; additional referrals include Appropriations (per legislative actions timeline)

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to protect election workers and participants at polling places and canvassing sites from intimidation, threats, coercion, or violence. By creating a specific statutory offense, the measure aims to deter harassment and promote safe, orderly administration of elections.

Key provisions

Section added

  • Section 29-21 (Harassment of election workers) to the Election Code (10 ILCS 5)

Definitions

  • Election worker: An election official, poll worker, or election volunteer involved in administering an election for local, state, or federal office.
  • Election-related duties: Includes, but is not limited to: 1) Creating, disseminating, collecting, or delivering voter applications or ballots 2) Registering voters 3) Opening, closing, operating, and maintaining order at polling places and early voting sites 4) Processing and assisting voters at polling places or early voting sites 5) Processing, tabulating, and tallying ballots 6) Certifying election results

Prohibited conduct

  • It is unlawful to:
    • Intimidate, threaten, coerce, use violence or force, or attempt any of these against: 1) An election worker in the performance of his or her duties 2) An individual lawfully present at a polling place or at a location where a canvass of votes is conducted

Penalties

  • First offense: Class A misdemeanor
  • Second or subsequent offense (within 3 years of a prior conviction for the same offense): Class 4 felony

Who is affected

  • Primary: Election workers (officials, poll workers, volunteers) performing election-related duties
  • Secondary: Individuals lawfully present at polling places or canvass locations (e.g., voters, observers, volunteers)

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 18, 2025
  • First reading: February 18, 2025
  • Referred: Rules Committee (initial) and later Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
  • Assignment history: Assigned to Judiciary – Criminal Committee (March 11, 2025); later referenced to Appropriations (March 21, 2025) among other moves
  • Current status (as of provided information): Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Summary impact

HB 3301 creates a dedicated statutory offense to deter harassment against election workers and poll/ canvass site attendees, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses within a three-year window. If enacted, it would provide prosecutors with a specific charge and could enhance protections and safety at elections administration sites.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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