(a) A person commits an offense if by intimidation or by means of coercion the person influences or attempts to influence a person to:
(1) not file an application for a place on the ballot or a declaration of write-in candidacy; or
(2) withdraw as a candidate.
(b) In this section, "coercion" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07, Penal Code.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless the intimidation or coercion is a threat to commit a felony, in which event it is a felony of the third degree.