If any person, firm, corporation or employer existing or doing business in this State, hinders, coerces or intimidates or attempts to hinder, coerce or intimidate any person who has been appointed an election officer under the laws of this State from qualifying and performing such person's duties as such by threats of depriving such person of employment or occupation, absolutely or contingently, directly or indirectly, shall be liable to a penalty of $500, recoverable by the Attorney General by civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the name of the State, and for the use and benefit of this State.