Protect Our Polls Act
Requires Congress to approve armed deployments to polling places and restricts federal access to election records.
In two House committees since Sept. 17, 2026, 21 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 17, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Rules govern when armed personnel may be present at polling places and how federal authorities can access election records. The bill would require Congress to approve a deployment to repel armed enemies before it occurs, after receiving advance notice. It would also restrict federal funding for armed personnel to access protected election records.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Require Congress to approve deployments
Before troops or other armed persons are sent to a place where a general or special election is held to repel armed enemies of the United States, Congress would have to enact a joint resolution approving the deployment.
- Require advance notice to Congress
At least 48 hours before a planned deployment, the responsible agency head would have to send Congress an unclassified report with details including the number and duties of personnel, the threat, their locations, their training, and why state and local forces cannot respond. The report would include a classified annex for specific intelligence.
- Limit federal access to election records
The armed forces and executive agencies could not use funds to authorize or order troops or armed persons under their control to access election records that officials are required to retain and preserve. This restriction would apply regardless of when the records came into the official’s or custodian’s possession.
- Protect service members’ voting rights
The bill says its rules would not prevent a member of the armed forces or someone under an executive agency’s control from voting in a district where they are qualified under state law. The election-record provisions would expire on January 20, 2029.
The bill states that federal law has long criminalized sending troops or armed persons to the polls, and that the exception for repelling armed enemies has never been used. It would make Congress decide in advance whether to allow a deployment under that exception and would also restrict federal access to election records.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 17, 2026HOUSESEP 17, 2026By Rep. Houlahan with 5 original cosponsorsReferred to Rules and Judiciary
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeesSEP 17, 2026RULES · JUDICIARY NOWSEP 17, 2026In committee for 21 daysNo hearing yet
- 21 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 172026SEP 17, 2026REFERREDReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- SEP 172026SEP 17, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 21, this bill is already older than 6% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 4 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Houlahan’s record: sponsored 36 bills this Congress. 3 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Maggie GoodlanderD-NH-2ORIGINAL
- Jimmy PanettaD-CA-19ORIGINAL
- Patrick RyanD-NY-18ORIGINAL
- Derek TranD-CA-45ORIGINAL
- George WhitesidesD-CA-27ORIGINAL
- Salud O. CarbajalD-CA-24OCT 1, 2026
- Eleanor Holmes NortonD-DC-ALOCT 1, 2026
What readers think
Discussion
Get an alert when it changes stage, gets a floor vote in the House, or is signed into law.