Although modern elections have been overwhelmingly safe from violence, guns are increasingly being used to intimidate voters and election workers and officials. The rise of conspiracy theories has led to unprecedented threats against election workers and officials. Groups of armed individuals have threatened election workers counting ballots and certifying votes. Individuals have patrolled drop boxes carrying AR-15–style firearms.
Several states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas, have long had laws prohibiting guns at the polls to protect against armed intimidation. In recent years, more states have joined them.
This table shows which states have prohibited open carry, concealed carry, or both at polling locations, drop boxes, and places where votes are counted, and as well as in government buildings which are often the sites of polls or vote counting locations.
