Republicans Block 2 Senate Amendments to Bar Troops From Polls Before November Midterms
Updated
Updated · ms.now · Jun 12
Republicans Block 2 Senate Amendments to Bar Troops From Polls Before November Midterms
3 articles · Updated · ms.now · Jun 12
Summary
Two Democratic amendments to the annual defense bill failed in the Senate Armed Services Committee after Republicans voted them down on party lines, leaving proposed new limits on troop involvement in elections out of the bill.
Elissa Slotkin’s first measure would have barred funding to deploy federal troops to seize ballots, voter rolls or voting machines; her second would have required Congress to be notified if troops were sent to polling places to repel armed enemies.
Slotkin and Richard Blumenthal said the vote raises the risk that Donald Trump could use federal forces to influence the November midterms, citing his past interest in using the military to seize Michigan ballots in 2020.
Their concerns were sharpened by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s refusal at an April hearing to rule out sending troops to polling stations and by Trump’s renewed claims that elections are 'rigged,' including in California.
Are 19th-century laws strong enough to shield modern polling places from troops?
After a key vote failed, what now protects election officials and materials?
Where is the legal line between a federal election probe and voter intimidation?
Election Integrity at a Crossroads: Legislative Gridlock, Federal Overreach Fears, and Voter Anxiety Ahead of the 2026 Midterms
Overview
In June 2026, Senate Republicans blocked two Democratic amendments that aimed to reinforce bans on deploying federal troops or armed law enforcement at polling places and to prevent the seizure of ballots or voting machines. This action heightened concerns about possible federal overreach and left open the risk of federal agents or military personnel being present at polling sites, raising questions about election fairness. In response, Senator Slotkin and other Democrats introduced the 'Protect Our Polls Act' to address these vulnerabilities, reflecting ongoing partisan divides and growing anxiety over the integrity of the upcoming midterm elections.