Protections
for Elections
OR
Portland
Pop. ~636,000 · Mayor-Council · Home Rule
Armed federal agents at your polling place
are already illegal. Your city council can enforce it.
§
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
Legal Authority
Oregon adopted constitutional home rule in 1906, explicitly rejecting Dillon's Rule.
Why It Can Work Here
The October 2025 Protect Portland Initiative demonstrates council willingness to pass protective ordinances.
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.
12 members · Mayor-Council · 12 councilors from 4 districts (3 per district) via ranked-choice voting
Historic 2025 transition from commission form (since 1913).
Portland City Hall
1221 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204
(503) 823-4000
portland.gov/council
Meetings
Wed
9:30 AM
1st & 3rd Wed
1
Call your council member and tell them you want Portland to pass a Protections for Elections ordinance enforcing the federal ban on armed troops at polls.
(503) 823-4000
2
Show up to the next council meeting. Public comment is open to all residents. Three minutes at the mic changes priorities.
WedS · 9:30 AM · Portland City Hall
3
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 OregonLWV OregonCommon Cause OregonWestern States CenterOregon for All Coalition