Protections
for Elections
VA
Charlottesville
Pop. ~47,000 · Council-Manager · VA Independent City Charter (council-manager since 1946)
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
Virginia is a strict Dillon Rule state, severely limiting municipal authority to act independently.
Why It Can Work Here
progressive university town (University of Virginia); demonstrated willingness to take progressive stances
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.
5 members · 5 at-large members
Council elects Mayor and Vice Mayor from its members. Nonpartisan elections.
Charlottesville City Hall
605 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 970-3113
charlottesville.gov/677/City-Council
Meetings
Mon
6:30 PM
1st & 3rd Mon
1
Call your council member and tell them you want Charlottesville to pass a Protections for Elections ordinance enforcing the federal ban on armed troops at polls.
(434) 970-3113
2
Show up to the next council meeting. Public comment is open to all residents. Three minutes at the mic changes priorities.
MonS · 6:30 PM · Charlottesville 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 VirginiaLWV VirginiaUniversity of Virginia School of...Virginia NAACP State ConferenceBrennan Center for Justice