Know your Rights
You have rights — and this election season, it’s important to know them to combat the liars, conspiracy theorists and election deniers.
Across the country, some political figures and activists are pushing ideas that would bring federal law enforcement or even military-style presence near polling locations. That is not consistent with the spirit of American democracy. Elections should be free from intimidation, fear, or chaos.
It’s important to remember: states administer elections, and election officials and poll workers are responsible for enforcing voting laws — not federal agents standing outside polling places.
As a voter, you have fundamental rights:
- You have the right to cast your ballot free from intimidation or harassment.
- You have the right to report voter intimidation.
- It is illegal for anyone to interfere with or prevent a lawful voter from casting a ballot.
If you experience intimidation or problems at your polling location, speak with a poll worker or election official. Most are civic-minded Americans working hard to ensure the process runs fairly and smoothly.
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Learn more about your rights at the polls!
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Read to go further? Use this template to submit a letter to the editor in your community to help raise awareness! Free and fair elections depend on every eligible voter being able to cast a ballot without fear, intimidation, or chaos. As we head into another election season, Americans should know their voting rights and understand that election laws are enforced by state and local election officials — not outside political actors or federal intimidation. Every voter has the right to vote free from harassment and to report intimidation if it occurs. Poll workers are required to uphold election laws and help ensure the process remains fair and lawful. Protecting confidence in our elections is not partisan — it is essential to preserving American democracy. |