Democracy Without Intimidation Act

Bill Number

H.R. 8825

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2026-06-16T17:03:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Democracy Without Intimidation Act," aims to prohibit the use of military troops at polling locations during elections. It seeks to strengthen enforcement against such activities and related violations of law.

Key Provisions

• Removes an existing exception in federal law that previously allowed military force at polls if needed to repel armed enemies of the United States.
• Updates prosecution rules to require U.S. attorneys, marshals, and other officials to pursue cases involving violations of election-related laws, including the updated prohibition on troops at polls.
• Increases the number of U.S. magistrate judges to handle arrests and examinations for relevant offenses more efficiently, and grants them authority to appoint individuals to execute warrants, including summoning bystanders, posse comitatus, or portions of U.S. military or militia forces when necessary.
• Establishes a private right of action allowing individuals harmed by violations to sue certain federal law enforcement officials for injunctive relief in district courts, with direct appeals to the Supreme Court and requirements for expedited judicial review.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Section 592 of title 18, United States Code, by striking the clause permitting troops at polls under specific circumstances.
• Revises Sections 1982 and 1983 of the Revised Statutes to expand prosecutorial duties and judicial resources for enforcement.
• Introduces new civil remedies not previously available for violations of the troops-at-polls prohibition, targeting senior federal law enforcement personnel.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: Requires greater involvement from federal prosecutors, marshals, and magistrate judges in monitoring and responding to potential violations; may limit military deployment options near polling sites.
• On citizens: Provides individuals with a direct legal avenue to challenge perceived intimidation at elections and aims to reduce military presence at voting locations.
• On international relations: Minimal direct effects, though it reinforces domestic policies separating military and civilian election processes.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Voters and election participants seeking protection from intimidation.
• Federal law enforcement agencies and their personnel, including those in the Senior Executive Service or serving as political appointees.
• U.S. military and militia forces, whose roles near polls are restricted.
• Courts and judicial officers, including magistrate judges tasked with increased responsibilities.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Reinforces limits on military involvement in domestic civilian affairs, potentially raising questions about the balance between national security and election administration under the U.S. Constitution.
• Introduces expedited judicial processes for related cases, which could affect how courts prioritize election-related disputes.
• Creates new enforcement tools that expand accountability for federal officials in law enforcement roles.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2026-05-14: Introduced in House
• 2026-05-14: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Democracy Without Intimidation Act — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (4 pages)