Protect Our Polls Act
A bill to require explicit Congressional approval for troops or armed men at polling places for the only exception in the United States Code, and for other purposes.
This bill, SB4845 or the Protect Our Polls Act, aims to amend the current law by requiring explicit Congressional approval before troops or armed individuals can be deployed at polling places. This measure is proposed to ensure that only under specific, authorized circumstances would such deployments occur, aiming to safeguard the integrity and safety of the voting process.
The bill would primarily impact election officials, voters, and potentially the military or law enforcement personnel who might otherwise be deployed at polling stations. By mandating a higher level of oversight and approval, the bill seeks to prevent unauthorized or unnecessary use of armed forces at voting locations, thereby promoting a peaceful and secure voting environment.
Introduced on June 18, 2026, the bill has been read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. This means it is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, where it will be reviewed, potentially amended, and possibly moved forward for further action in the Senate.
