Protections
for Elections
Strong Viability
Massachusetts
Constitutional Home Rule • moderate-to-high legal complexity
1865
Law Enacted
$250K
Max Fine
5 YRS
Prison
ZERO
Exceptions
Since 1865, federal law has banned armed federal personnel at polling places. In 1909, Congress deliberately removed the only exception — there is no law enforcement justification for armed feds at the polls. Not for "keeping the peace." Not for preventing fraud. Nothing.
18 U.S.C. § 592 — TROOPS AT POLLS
Any federal employee who stations armed personnel at a polling place commits a felony and is permanently barred from federal service. The DOJ's own manual says FBI agents cannot be stationed at polls.
5 YEARS PRISON $250,000 FINE CAREER DEATH
Alternative considerations
See state guide
Boston offers maximum. national visibility through Mayor Michelle Wu's progressi...
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