The right to vote is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy and is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Recent attempts have targeted the right to vote, creating opportunities for misinformation and leading voters to feel intimidated and second-guess exercising their right to vote. Ahead of the 2026 Midterm Elections, it is important to know our voting rights. Voter intimidation will not be effective if we are well informed, prepared to exercise our rights, and demand their protection. 

What voters should know ahead of the 2026 Midterm Elections

Federal voting laws have not changed. Several laws that previously prohibited voter intimidation remain in place. These include laws that prohibit:

• Federal officials from deploying armed men at voting sites (18 U.S.C. § 592).
• Armed forces from using “force, threat, intimidation, advice, or otherwise” to prevent someone from voting or interfering with the duties of an election officer (18 U.S.C. § 593).
• Intimidation, threats, or coercion of any person that interferes with their right to vote (18 U.S.C. § 594).
• Government employees from using official authority in connection with federally financed activity to interfere with a federal election (18 U.S.C. § 595).

Non-English Speakers can vote with the assistance of an English-speaking person. They can bring a translator or someone to help them read and cast their ballot. 

States are responsible for administering elections. Secretaries of State determine identification requirements for voting. For more information, you can consult our resource on voter ID requirements by state.

Recommendations for voters

Voters should take the following actions to ensure they can exercise their right to vote:

• Checking voter registration. To avoid issues at the polls, voters are encouraged to ensure their registration is current before Election Day. You can check your registration here.
• Make a plan to vote. Identify your polling location, hours of operation, and decide whether you will:
  
  • Vote in person or by mail. Check whether you are eligible to vote by mail, take note of the application and ballot-return deadlines, and decide how and when you will return your ballot. If voting in person, confirm where you need to go and what identification or other materials you may need.
  • Vote early or on Election Day. If your state offers early voting, check the dates, times, and locations that work for you. If you plan to vote on Election Day, confirm the polling hours and set aside enough time to get to your polling location, wait in line, and cast your vote.
  • Go to vote alone or accompanied by others. Decide whether you want to go by yourself or with a group of family members, friends, neighbors, or others in your community. If going with others, agree on a time, transportation, and meeting place in advance.
• Vote early, if possible. Most states allow voters to vote before Election Day. Early voting lets you avoid long lines on Election Day and choose a date and time that works best for you.
• Make a plan to vote with others. This not only encourages others to participate in the electoral process, but it can also help you and others feel more secure. 
• Familiarize yourself with the ballot. Make sure you know which positions are up for election, who the candidates are, and try to decide before you vote.
• Know how to fill out your ballot. If you are unsure how to mark your preference for a candidate, watch a video tutorial or ask the poll workers for assistance. 

Voter intimidation

Although it is rare and prohibited in federal law, voter intimidation can happen and may look like:

• Aggressive questioning of a voter’s citizenship and eligibility to vote, as well as their voting plans.
• Spreading misinformation about voter requirements, including language and/or identification requirements.
• Individuals presenting themselves falsely as election workers or observers.
• Physically and/or aggressively preventing voters from accessing their polling place.
• Harassment of voters in line or election workers.

If someone questions or stops you, remain calm. Ask if you are free to go, and walk away if they say yes. Remember that you do not have to answer questions; you can invoke your right to remain silent, and you do not have to allow agents to search your phone or belongings. 

What to do if you witness voter intimidation

First, confirm whether federal agents or armed men are present at the polling site. Do not assume someone is a federal agent without knowing more or share unverified stories of voter intimidation. Remember, some states allow voters to bring their guns to polling locations. If you do confirm the presence of federal agents or armed men:

• Report it. You can call the Election Protection hotline to report voter intimidation. Dial 866-OUR-VOTE (687-8683) for the English hotline or 888-VE-Y-VOTA (839-8682) for the bilingual (Spanish and English) hotline.
• Note relevant information. Certain information is useful for hotline employees and polling officials. If possible, try to take note of:
  
  • Size: How many agents, men, or officers were present?
  • Activity: What were they doing?
  • Location: Were they at the polling place? Around it?
  • Uniform: What letters, details, or patches were on their clothing?
  • Time: When were they present?
  • Equipment: Were they armed? What did they have with them?