Des Moines, IA - Protections for Elections

Armed federal agents at your polling place
are already illegal. Your city council can enforce it.

18 U.S.C. § 592 — Federal Law Since 1865

Any federal employee who stations armed personnel at a polling place commits a felony. No exceptions — not for law enforcement, not for "keeping the peace." The DOJ's own manual bans FBI agents from polling places.

5 YEARS PRISON $250,000 FINE PERMANENT BAR FROM OFFICE

Why Des Moines?

Legal Authority

Article III, Section 38A of the Iowa Constitution (1968 Home Rule Amendment) grants municipal corporations "home rule power and...

Why It Can Work Here

See state guide for strategic analysis.

What the Ordinance Would Do
Direct city police not to assist armed federal personnel near polling places. No new criminal penalties — just a policy on how the city's own resources are used.

Your City Council

7 members · Mayor + 2 at-large + 4 ward representatives; city manager appointed by council
Nonpartisan; Mayor Connie Boesen (assumed 2024).

T.M. Franklin Cownie City Administration Building
1200 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309

(515) 283-4209
dsm.city/government/city_council/index.php

Meetings

Mon

5:00 PM

2nd & 4th Mon

What You Can Do

Call your council member and tell them you want Des Moines to pass a Protections for Elections ordinance enforcing the federal ban on armed troops at polls.
(515) 283-4209

Show up to the next council meeting. Public comment is open to all residents. Three minutes at the mic changes priorities.
MonS · 5:00 PM · T.M. Franklin Cownie City Administration Building

Bring a friend. Two people speaking makes it a pattern. Five makes it a movement. Give this flyer to three people you know.

Get Connected → ACLU of IowaLWV IowaIowa Migrant Movement for Justic...States United Democracy CenterBrennan Center for Justice