“Protecting DC Residents from Unauthorized Poll Monitoring and Voter Intimidation” – “Can federal officials send the military, National Guard, and/or federal law enforcement to monitor the polls? No.”

photo by Victoria Pickering From the Office of the Attorney General (OAG): Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today issued a know-your-rights advisory on poll monitoring and voter intimidation for District residents. DC and federal law protect the rights of District residents and all Americans to vote in a free and fair election without intimidation, coercion, or outside interference. “Voting in DC is simple, secure, and reliable,” said Attorney General Schwalb. “Anyone who experiences or witnesses interference with our local elections should report potential violations to our office and the DC Board of Elections.” For guidance on your rights as a District of Columbia voter, read the FAQs provided below. Can federal officials send the military, National Guard, and/or federal law enforcement to monitor the polls? No. An array of federal statutes bars federal employees, law enforcement, and the military from using their official power to interfere with an election. Federal law generally