There has been some fear that “outsiders” would be coming to our polling places, causing voter concern about being harassed or intimidated. The following piece from the ACLU should relieve your anxiety. (Mail voting is a way to avoid it, too.)
Protected at the Polls
Voter intimidation is a federal crime. Yet harassment at the polls continues to threaten our right to vote. Here’s what you need to know to show up prepared – for yourself and for your neighbors.
- No one can aggressively question you about your citizenship, criminal record, or qualifications to vote.
- It’s illegal to display misleading signs about voter fraud or to spread false information about voter requirements.
- It’s against the law for someone to falsely claim that they are an election official.
- If you make a mistake on your ballot, you may ask for a new one.
- In many states, you can give a sworn statement to the poll worker that you are qualified to vote and then cast your ballot.
- You can report intimidation to the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE and to your local election officials on Election Day.
Source: ACLU Magazine, Fall 2026 edition. By Jay A. Fernandez.
Learn more about your voting rights at aclu.org/vote.
For a local perspective, read the story by Carmen Russell-Sluchansky, WHYY News reporter, titled, Federal election monitors are coming to polling places in Philly and other Pa. counties. Here’s what you need to know.
A personal note, as a voter engagement activist. If you are in a situation where you feel physically threatened, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you believe there are irregularities, call the District Attorney’s Office Election Task Force hotline at 215-686-9641. If you are being intimidated politically, stand your ground, record the behavior on your phone, and call the non-partisan Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE, 866-687-8683.
Vote by November 3.
