Americans are set to vote on Tuesday after a year in which President Donald Trump has used federal powers to amplify unsubstantiated claims of election fraud. Election officials and Democrats have warned that attacks on election integrity could heighten tensions at polling places and prompt baseless challenges to the results. Some state and local authorities have included the possibility of federal intervention in their Election Day planning.
Officials say it is not yet clear whether any worst-case scenarios will occur, but they stress that preparations are in place. Tina Barton, co-chairwoman of the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections, said election officials, law enforcement and other stakeholders are working to ensure the day runs smoothly. She added that any incidents can be addressed quickly because officials have response plans.
One concern raised is whether military personnel or federal agents could appear at polling sites. Trump has not ruled out invoking the Insurrection Act, an 1807 law that allows the president, under certain conditions, to use the military to quell widespread domestic unrest. Some of his outside supporters have urged him to take that step.
In late August, however, Gen. Dan Caine, the president’s top military adviser, said the armed forces had no plans to deploy troops in connection with the elections. In a letter to a Democratic senator, Caine wrote that he had neither received nor expected to receive an unlawful order concerning the military’s role in the November 2026 midterm elections.
Sources: The New York Times Politics.