Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act

The bill would create a private right of action for individuals harmed by certain federal election interference crimes, allowing them to seek court orders to stop such violations and recover attorney's fees. It would extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting specific election interference offenses—including troop presence at polls, armed forces interference, voter intimidation, and related violations under the Voting Rights Act and National Voter Registration Act—to 9 years from the date of the offense. Additionally, the bill would restrict state and federal law enforcement from seizing ballots or election equipment before any recount, audit, or legal challenge is conclusively resolved, unless a judge finds clear and convincing evidence of imminent destruction, and would establish a grant program to help states implement ballot materials tracking systems.