Yes, voter intimidation is illegal

2 weeks ago 6

Federal law prohibits harassment or the spreading of false information at the polls to prevent voters from being influenced.

People are headed to the polls for the 2024 general election and many states have laws to make voters feel safe and keep the space neutral, like prohibiting campaign attire.

But reports online are circulating of people who say they faced intimidation at the polls while trying to vote.

“Security Guard was belligerent, aggressive & made disparaging remarks to Latino campaign workers & voters. Complaints have been filed. Voter Intimidation is Illegal!” one user wrote about an alleged incident at a Texas polling location.

THE QUESTION

Is voter intimidation illegal?

THE SOURCES

THE ANSWER

Yes, voter intimidation is illegal.

WHAT WE FOUND

Voter intimidation is illegal and can take a variety of forms, from spreading false information about voting procedures to harassment, the American Civil Liberties Union says.

Federal Law says it's illegal to “intimidate, threaten, or coerce, any other person for the purpose of interfering with the right of such other person to vote or to vote as he may choose.”

“Voter intimidation is rare and unlikely,” the ACLU adds. But if you believe you are experiencing voter intimidation, you can report it to the Election Protection Hotline (866-687-8683), The U.S. Department of Justice Voting Rights Hotline (800-253-3931) or local or state officials.

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