Voter Intimidation

Voter intimidation is conduct that threatens, coerces, harasses, or improperly pressures someone to interfere with the person's free exercise of voting rights. It can involve threats of violence or legal consequences, aggressive interference at a voting location, or other coercive conduct. Protected political expression should not be labeled intimidation without considering context and law.

Examples can include threatening physical harm for voting, falsely threatening arrest or immigration consequences to deter eligible voters, blocking lawful access to a polling place, or using coercive surveillance or confrontation intended to stop someone from voting. Whether particular conduct violates law depends on the facts, applicable federal or state provisions, and enforcement standards.

A voter experiencing intimidation should prioritize immediate safety, document what happened when it is safe to do so, and report the incident to the appropriate election officials or law-enforcement channel. Because reporting options and legal standards vary by location, voters should use official state, local, or federal election-protection information relevant to their jurisdiction.