Washington, D.C. – In a decisive move to protect the integrity of the District’s upcoming election, Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb warned Wednesday that armed federal agents, National Guard troops and any unauthorized election monitors have no legal authority to descend on polling places, question voters, seize ballots or interfere with vote counting.
Advisory outlines strict limits on federal involvement
With early voting set to begin on Oct. 26, Schwalb’s office released a comprehensive advisory that specifically names Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, the FBI, U.S. Marshals, National Guard personnel and Department of Justice election monitors. The advisory makes clear that federal law generally prohibits the deployment of armed federal officers or military personnel to election locations, and that no federal official may use government authority to influence the outcome of a congressional or presidential election.
“Voting in D.C. is simple, secure, and reliable,” Schwalb said, emphasizing that the District’s election system is designed to serve residents without outside interference.
National Guard troops directed away from polling sites
The advisory also addresses the National Guard troops already stationed in the District. Schwalb’s office confirmed that those troops have been specifically instructed not to monitor or secure polling locations, a stance that has already sparked a legal confrontation between the Attorney General’s office and the federal government.
Federal officials, including ICE agents, are likewise barred from appearing at voting sites. Schwalb’s office stressed that the prohibition applies regardless of the agency involved, reinforcing the principle that local election administration must remain free from armed federal presence.
Local observers must follow District rules
Anyone seeking to observe voting or ballot counting inside a District polling location must obtain authorization from the D.C. Board of Elections. Approved observers may not touch ballots or voting machines, speak to voters while they cast ballots, interfere with election workers, or photograph activity inside polling places during voting.
Even long‑standing Justice Department election monitors are required to comply with these local requirements. They may observe but cannot demand personal information from voters, inspect or confiscate ballots, dictate which votes should be counted, or otherwise interfere with election administration.
Constitutional basis for local control
Schwalb reminded readers that “the Constitution gives states primary responsibility for administering federal elections, subject to laws Congress enacts.” While Washington is not a state, Congress has delegated authority to the District to run its own elections, meaning federal executive officials cannot unilaterally replace District rules.
The advisory does not prohibit legitimate election observation. Representatives of candidates, ballot initiatives and other approved observers may witness election proceedings after receiving the required credentials, provided they follow the restrictions designed to protect voters and election workers.
Voting options and reminders for District residents
Every registered D.C. voter is being mailed a ballot. Residents who choose to vote by mail must postmark their ballots by Nov. 3 and have them received by Nov. 13. Ballots may also be dropped off at designated drop boxes until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D‑Ward 2) reminded voters on X that they can “vote by mail, vote in person early between Oct. 26‑Nov. 1, or vote on Election Day, Nov. 3.” Early‑voting centers will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Election Day they will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Unregistered residents may register in person and cast a ballot during early voting or on Election Day.
How to report interference
Residents who encounter threats, intimidation, coercion or unauthorized interference are urged to contact the Attorney General’s office at 202‑727‑3400 or [email protected]. Complaints may also be submitted to the D.C. Board of Elections at 202‑727‑2194 or [email protected].
“Anyone who experiences or witnesses interference with our local elections should report potential violations to our office and the DC Board of Elections,” Schwalb said.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
