Understanding the Law: No Troops in Polling Places
There’s a federal law designed to keep the military out of our elections. It dates back to the aftermath of the Civil War—and key protections remain part of federal law today. But what does the law actually say?
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For more than 160 years, federal law has placed specific limits on military involvement at polling places and interference in elections. Our free guide breaks down why Congress enacted these protections, what the law prohibits, the exceptions it recognizes, and how those provisions developed into the law that exists today. To read our full resource, click the button below:
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A brief history of the law: In 1865, Congress passed a law restricting military interference in elections. It prohibited military officers from stationing troops at polling places except in narrow circumstances, interfering with the conduct of elections or voter qualifications, and using force, threats, or intimidation against voters or election officials. Violations carried serious criminal penalties. These protections were later incorporated into federal law, including 18 U.S.C. § 592. |