CA AB2642

Prohibits intimidating, threatening, or coercing any person for voting, assisting voters, administering elections, or their status as an election worker.

Creates a presumption that openly carrying a firearm or imitation firearm while interacting with or observing election activities constitutes prohibited intimidation, unless the person proves otherwise by a preponderance of evidence.

Allows aggrieved persons, election officials, and the Attorney General to file civil actions to enforce these protections and recover reasonable attorney's fees, expert fees, and litigation expenses if they prevail.

Exempts law enforcement officers acting within their official duties from the firearm presumption, though courts may still consider their possession of a firearm in determining violations.

Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute to deter intimidation at the November 5, 2024 general election.