Legis Daily

Democracy Without Intimidation Act

USA119th CongressHR-8825| House 
| Updated: 5/14/2026
April McClain Delaney

April McClain Delaney

Democratic Representative

Maryland

Cosponsors (1)
Brittany Pettersen (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislative proposal, titled the "Democracy Without Intimidation Act," aims to reinforce the separation of military forces from civilian electoral processes. Its primary provision amends 18 U.S.C. 592, eliminating the exception that previously allowed the use of troops at polling places if deemed necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, thereby establishing an absolute prohibition on military presence at polls. The bill also strengthens enforcement mechanisms for election-related offenses. It explicitly requires United States attorneys, marshals, and magistrate judges to institute prosecutions against individuals violating laws concerning election interference, including the prohibition on troops at polls. To facilitate this, district courts are mandated to increase the number of United States magistrate judges, ensuring a speedy process for arresting and examining offenders. A significant new provision is the creation of a private right of action , allowing any individual harmed by a violation of the troop-at-polls prohibition to file a civil lawsuit for injunctive relief. This action can be brought against covered persons , defined as Senior Executive Service members or political appointees within Federal law enforcement agencies, with appeals expedited directly to the Supreme Court.
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Timeline
May 14, 2026
Introduced in House
May 14, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • May 14, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 14, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Democracy Without Intimidation Act

USA119th CongressHR-8825| House 
| Updated: 5/14/2026
This legislative proposal, titled the "Democracy Without Intimidation Act," aims to reinforce the separation of military forces from civilian electoral processes. Its primary provision amends 18 U.S.C. 592, eliminating the exception that previously allowed the use of troops at polling places if deemed necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, thereby establishing an absolute prohibition on military presence at polls. The bill also strengthens enforcement mechanisms for election-related offenses. It explicitly requires United States attorneys, marshals, and magistrate judges to institute prosecutions against individuals violating laws concerning election interference, including the prohibition on troops at polls. To facilitate this, district courts are mandated to increase the number of United States magistrate judges, ensuring a speedy process for arresting and examining offenders. A significant new provision is the creation of a private right of action , allowing any individual harmed by a violation of the troop-at-polls prohibition to file a civil lawsuit for injunctive relief. This action can be brought against covered persons , defined as Senior Executive Service members or political appointees within Federal law enforcement agencies, with appeals expedited directly to the Supreme Court.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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Timeline
May 14, 2026
Introduced in House
May 14, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • May 14, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 14, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
April McClain Delaney

April McClain Delaney

Democratic Representative

Maryland

Cosponsors (1)
Brittany Pettersen (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted