September 24, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) introduced S.2912, the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act, to address the rise in deceptive voter suppression practices and intimidation in federal elections. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.-04) and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-Ala.-07) introduced the House companion legislation, H.R. 4894, with 32 House cosponsors.
This bill is cosponsored by Senators Van Hollen (D-Md.), Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cantwell (D-Wash.), Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Hirono (D-Hawaii), Merkley (D-Ore.), Padilla (D-Calif.), and Schiff (D-Calif.).
In response to an increase in misinformation and intimidation surrounding federal elections and continued efforts to undermine fair and free elections, the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act criminalizes knowingly spreading false information about the time, place, or manner of voting, or voter qualifications, and threatening or coercing individuals to not vote or vote a certain way.
“The freedom to vote includes the freedom to access accurate information about our elections. Those looking to intimidate and spread false information about our free and fair elections must be held accountable — the strength of our democracy depends on it,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “I am proud to work alongside my friend, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who has worked tirelessly for years to strengthen our voting rights. Together, I know we can get this done.”
“Efforts to mislead or intimidate voters are a threat to our democracy – and Americans’ ability to have their voices heard in our elections. With this legislation, we’re fighting to ensure that intimidation and deceptive practices never stand in the way of every voter casting their ballot freely and fairly,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act makes it illegal to knowingly deceive voters and engage in voter intimidation—strengthening voter rights and empowering individuals to access reliable information about elections while holding bad actors accountable. The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and in a time where voter suppression tactics and a deluge of disinformation threaten our democratic process, we need guardrails to uphold fair and free elections,” said Senator Blumenthal.
“The rise in misinformation and voter intimidation is a fundamental threat to free and fair elections,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Anyone who attempts to undermine our democracy must be held accountable. I’m proud to work alongside my Democratic colleagues to advance this legislation, and I will keep fighting to stop misinformation and ensure that voting remains easy and accessible.”
“Voter suppression tactics and misinformation undermine fair and free elections, threatening the fundamental right to vote and our very democracy,” said Senator Hirono. “While many are working to reduce access to the ballot box, I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to help address the rise of intimidation and voter deception, and protect the right of every American to participate in the electoral process.”
“We must safeguard the fundamental right to vote and ensure our elections remain free, fair, and accessible for all Americans,” said Senator Padilla. “This legislation is an important step in preventing voter intimidation and holding accountable those who seek to deceive voters and undermine our democratic process by spreading false information.”
“In a government by, of and for the people, the right to vote is sacred. Yet, my great-grandfather had to take a literacy test and find three white men to vouch for him before he could exercise that right. My grandfather and father had to pay poll taxes to register to vote. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 ended such voter suppression tactics. Now, 60 years later, we are witnessing new voter suppression and intimidation tactics to erode that progress. I will fight to protect everyone’s right to vote from these new threats,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “That’s why I introduced a bill to better uphold free and fair elections — because every American should be able to access reliable information about elections and vote the way they choose, without being intimidated or intentionally deceived.”
“This new age of misinformation and disinformation threatens to leave our electoral process vulnerable to bad actors who would seek to mislead voters, suppress turnout, and sow chaos. At a time when many are working to undermine confidence in our elections, it is essential that we put in place protections against these malicious tactics,” said Congresswoman Sewell. “As a proud daughter of Selma and the Representative of Alabama’s Civil Rights district, I am proud to join Congresswoman McClellan in introducing this legislation which would safeguard reliable information for voters so that they can make well informed decisions at the polls.”
The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act would:
- Assign criminal penalties for deceptive practices and intimidation;
- Require authorities to take corrective actions when disinformation is reported;
- Mandate reporting by the DOJ after each general election on deceptive practices complaints received; and
- Address challenges created by new artificial intelligence-generated disinformation
The legislation is endorsed by the Brennan Center for Justice, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, People For the American Way, End Citizens United, and NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.
Read the full bill text here.
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