Protections
for Elections
Challenging — Creative Strategy Needed
South Carolina
Home Rule • constitutional bar against a local elect
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
Columbia
Pop. 137K
However, Mayor. Daniel Rickenmann (R, elected 2021) reduces willingness.
Charleston
Pop. 150K
Less confrontational. progressive record.
North Charleston
Pop. 115K
Large African American. population (~47%) suggesting a potential constituency bu...
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 South Carolina.
4
Share Give this to 3 people. Post it at your library, café, or community board.
Get Connected → Near zero viability.ACLU of South CarolinaLWV South Carolina