Protections
for Elections
Challenging — Creative Strategy Needed
Texas
Constitutional Home Rule • foundation for a municipal election prot
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
Austin
Pop. 1.0M • Council-Manager
Charter city since. 1919, extensive history of progressive ordinances.
San Antonio
Pop. 1.6M • Council-Manager
Council-manager government,. Democratic-leaning council, Mayor Ron Nirenberg (D).
Houston
Pop. 2.3M • Strong Mayor
Most diverse city. in Texas with strong voting rights community.
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 Texas.
4
Share Give this to 3 people. Post it at your library, café, or community board.
Get Connected → ACLU of TexasTexas Civil Rights ProjectLULACMALDEFCommon Cause Texas