Protections
for Elections
Strong Viability
Rhode Island
Constitutional Home Rule • exceptionally favorable conditions
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
Providence
See state guide
The City Council. includes DSA-endorsed Councillor Miguel Sanchez and recently-e...
Central Falls
See state guide
The city joined. Providence in 2018 federal litigation and won twice.
1
Contact Call your city council member. Ask them to introduce a Protections for Elections ordinance.
2
Show Up Attend your next council meeting. 3 minutes of public comment changes priorities.
3
Connect Join a local organization already working on voting rights in Rhode Island.
4
Share Give this to 3 people. Post it at your library, café, or community board.
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