What does Preamble of Protect Our Polls Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To require explicit Congressional approval for troops or armed men at polling places for the only exception in the United States Code, and for other purposes,' aims to require Congressional approval for the presence of troops or armed individuals at polling places. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 18, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Protect Our Polls Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Protect Our Polls Act.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Protect Our Polls Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the prohibition of sending troops or armed men to the polls. Federal law, specifically sections 592 and 593 of title 18, United States Code, has criminalized this action for over 150 years, with a potential penalty of up to 5 years in prison. Section 592 includes an exception allowing the use of troops or armed men to repel armed enemies of the United States. According to this section, this exception has never been utilized.

What does NOTIFICATION AND CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL PROCESS FOR TROOPS of Protect Our Polls Act do?

This section amends Chapter 29 of Title 18, United States Code, by inserting a new section 592a regarding congressional action. It establishes a notification requirement, mandating that the head of an agency sending troops or armed men to polling places must transmit a report to Congress at least 48 hours prior to deployment. The report must include details such as the number of personnel, their responsibilities, supporting intelligence, legal authorization, training, and justification for federal intervention. If Congress is adjourned, the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate may jointly request the President to convene Congress to consider the report. Upon reconvening, the Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, and Director of the FBI must provide a classified briefing to Congress. Deployment of troops or armed men requires Congressional authorization through a joint resolution enacted prior to deployment. The joint resolution undergoes expedited review with specific timelines for committee referral, debate, and voting in both the House and Senate. If any part of this section is deemed unconstitutional, the rest of the section remains in effect.

What does AMENDMENTS TO CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1960. of Protect Our Polls Act do?

This section amends the Civil Rights Act of 1960. Section 301 of the Act is revised to include a condition on the availability of funds. Funds cannot be appropriated to the armed forces or Executive agencies to access records required under subsection (a) of Section 301. A rule of construction is added stating that the section does not prevent members of the armed forces or individuals under Executive agency control from exercising the right to vote. Technical and conforming amendments are made to sections 302 and 303 of Title III of the Act. This section, and the amendments it makes, will expire on January 20, 2029.

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Protect Our Polls Act

Last updated: 6/18/2026 · Introduced: 6/18/2026

Author: Elissa Slotkin (D-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill requires Congressional authorization, through a joint resolution, before any troops or armed individuals can be deployed to polling places, with a detailed notification and briefing process for Congress beforehand.
It restricts the use of federal funds to prevent armed forces or Executive agencies from accessing records related to voting rights under the Civil Rights Act of 1960.
The bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1960 to clarify that these changes do not prevent military personnel or Executive agency employees from voting and will expire on January 20, 2029.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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