Voter & Activist Guide¶
Federal law makes it a crime to station armed agents at polling places. Some leaders are threatening to do exactly that before the 2026 elections. This guide explains the problem, your rights, and what you can do about it.
How does this connect to the rest of the site?
The other sections of this site — the Legal Foundation and State Guides — are written for lawyers, elected officials, and professional organizers. This section distills that same legal analysis into language anyone can understand, with clear action steps. See How to Use This Guide for all audience paths.
Your Reading Path¶
Follow these pages in order, or jump to the one that answers your question.
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What Is Happening and Why It Matters — The threat explained in plain English: what senior officials have said, what already happened in Minnesota, and the numbers showing how real this is.
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Your Rights at the Polling Place — Federal and state laws that protect you, what to do if you see armed agents, and who to call for help.
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The Law Explained in Plain English — The two federal statutes, the anti-commandeering principle, the Insurrection Act question, and what the proposed city ordinance would actually do — all without legal jargon.
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How to Push Your City Council to Act — A step-by-step guide to advocating for a protection ordinance in your city, from finding your state's legal landscape to showing up at a council meeting.
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Election Day Action Plan — What to prepare before Election Day, what to do if something goes wrong, and where to report problems.
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How to Talk to Your Neighbors About This — Conversation guides for different audiences, key facts and talking points, and tips on spreading the word effectively.
Quick Links¶
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What Is Happening
The threat to polling places: government statements, the Minnesota case, and the polling data.
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Your Rights
Federal and state protections for voters, plus what to do if you encounter armed agents.
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The Law Explained
The legal foundation behind this project, translated into plain English.
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Push Your City to Act
Step-by-step civic engagement guide for getting your city council to pass a protection ordinance.
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Election Day Action
Preparation checklist and real-time response plan for Election Day 2026.
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Talk to Your Neighbors
Conversation guides, talking points, and messaging tips for spreading the word.