Protect Our Polls Act

The Protect Our Polls Act establishes a strict notification and approval process before federal troops or armed men can be deployed to election sites to repel armed enemies. Under this bill, the head of the agency sending troops must submit a detailed report to congressional leaders at least 48 hours in advance, including intelligence on the threat and justification for why local forces cannot handle the situation. If Congress is not in session, the Speaker and Senate President pro tempore must request a special session to review the report, and no deployment can occur until Congress passes a joint resolution authorizing the action. The legislation also amends the Civil Rights Act of 1960 to prohibit federal funds from being used to allow military personnel to access election records, while explicitly preserving the right of service members to vote. These provisions are set to expire on January 20, 2029.