Voting and Elections in the United States

This guide will help you find credible information on candidates, political parties, campaign issues, and voter registration.

The right of each voter to cast his or her ballot free from intimidation or coercion is a foundational principle of a free and democratic society. Federal law prohibits voter intimidation.

What should I do if I see or experience voter intimidation?

• If you fear imminent violence, call 9-1-1.
• Notify your local election official at your polling place.
• Document what you saw or experienced: what happened, where, and when, and whether any voters were deterred from voting.
• Call Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). Assistance is also available in Spanish at 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888- 839-8682), in Arabic at 844-YALLA-US (844-915- 5187), and Asian languages at 888-API-VOTE (1-888-174-8683). A video American Sign Language line is available at 301-818-VOTE (301-818-8683).

Source: Fact Sheet: Protecting Against Voter Intimidation, Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, Georgetown University Law Center, [2020].

What should I do if I see armed groups near a polling place or voter registration drive?

First, document what you see:

➢   What are the armed people doing?
➢   What are the armed people wearing?
➢   Are they carrying firearms?  If so, what type? If not, are they carrying other types of weapons?
➢   Are they wearing insignia?  If so, what does it say or look like?
➢   Are they bearing signs or flags?
➢   Do they seem to be patrolling like a law enforcement officer might do?
➢   Do they seem to be coordinating their actions?
➢   Do they have a leader?
➢   Are they stopping or talking to people outside of their group?
➢   Do they appear to be provoking or threatening violence?  If so, what are they doing specifically?
➢   Are people turning away from the polling station after seeing or speaking with them?

Second, call Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to report what you see.

Assistance in also available in Spanish at 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888- 839-8682), in Arabic at 844- YALLA-US (844-915-5187), and Asian languages at 888-API-VOTE (1-888-174-8683).  A video call number for American Sign Language is available at 301-818-VOTE (301-818-8683).
Source: Fact Sheet: Unlawful Militias in Missouri, Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, Georgetown University Law Center, [2020].