Sec. 18. (a) As used in this section, “candidate” includes an individual whom the person knows is considering becoming a candidate.

     (b) As used in this section, “election worker” has the meaning set forth in section 4(b) of this chapter.

     (c) A person who, for the purpose of influencing a voter or candidate, does any of the following commits a Level 6 felony:

(1) Seeks to enforce the payment of a debt by force or threat of force.

(2) Ejects or threatens to eject the voter or candidate from a house the voter or candidate occupies.

(3) Begins a criminal prosecution.

(4) Damages the business or trade of the voter or candidate.

(5) Communicates a threat to commit a forcible felony (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-138) against a voter or candidate with the intent that the voter or candidate:

(A) engage in conduct against the voter’s or candidate’s will; or

(B) be placed in fear of retaliation for a prior lawful act as a voter or candidate.

     (d) This subsection does not apply to an offense that occurs at a health facility (as defined in IC 16-18-2-167). A person who communicates a threat (as defined in IC 35-45-2-1) to an election worker with the intent that the election worker:

(1) engage in conduct against the election worker’s will; or

(2) be placed in fear of retaliation for a prior lawful act relating to an election;

commits threatening an election worker, a Level 6 felony.

As added by P.L.5-1986, SEC.10. Amended by P.L.176-1999, SEC.118; P.L.103-2005, SEC.36; P.L.114-2012, SEC.6; P.L.158-2013, SEC.42; P.L.110-2024, SEC.2.