Protect Our Polls Act

Key Points

• The bill would require explicit Congressional approval before any troops or armed federal agents can be sent to polling places during elections. Currently, a narrow exception in federal law allows troops to be deployed to repel armed enemies of the United States, but this exception has never been used. The bill closes that gap by requiring a joint resolution from Congress before any such deployment.
• Before sending troops to any election site, the responsible agency head must notify Congressional leaders at least 48 hours in advance with a detailed unclassified report covering troop numbers, intelligence justification, geographic deployment areas, legal authority, civilian interaction training, and why state and local forces cannot handle the threat.
• The bill sets up an expedited Congressional review process so lawmakers can act within hours. Committees must report a resolution within 20 hours, and each chamber must vote within set timeframes. If Congress is adjourned, leaders can call members back to Washington to review the request.
• The bill also blocks all federal funding for military or executive agency personnel to access official election records and papers. This restriction sunsets on January 20, 2029. A separate provision ensures military members can still exercise their own right to vote.