Elections in America are run by the states and staffed by the many local election workers who count ballots and keep voter rolls accurate. This year, those state election systems are facing federal pressure on several fronts, from lawsuits over voter data to the FBI’s search of a Georgia elections office.
With Election Day less than two weeks away, it’s understandable to wonder what all of this means for your vote. That’s why it’s important to have a plan, no matter what you may encounter. Continue reading to find out what’s happening and how to prepare.
Pressure on our State and Local Elections
Over the past year, the federal government has increasingly encroached on state authority, overstepping the traditional boundaries of federal power. Here are a just a few examples of how this has played out:
- Filing lawsuits over voter data. The Justice Department has sued 30 states and Washington, DC, seeking access to their voter registration rolls. In all 26 cases decided so far, judges have ruled against the department, dismissing its lawsuits. No court has ruled in the department’s favor.
- Sharing voter data with Homeland Security. In March, the Justice Department confirmed in court that it is sharing state voter roll data with the Department of Homeland Security. On October 9, a federal judge ruled that the Justice Department unlawfully sought state voter rolls to check against a federal immigration database.
- Deploying Federal agents to an elections office. In January, the FBI searched Fulton County, Georgia’s election hub, and seized boxes of 2020 ballots from an election whose results had already been affirmed through multiple reviews and a hand audit.
- Calling for federal control of elections. The Trump Administration has said it wants to “take over” elections in Democratic-run areas, prompting concerns that a visible law enforcement presence could make some voters, especially first-time voters and those in marginalized communities, think twice about showing up.
Preparing for Voter Intimidation at the Polls
If all of this leaves you worried about voting this November, remember that, as an eligible voter, you have every right to cast your ballot without intimidation. Election workers, the courts, and a vast network of Election Protection volunteers are working to protect that right.
Three Steps to Protect Your Vote in 2026:
- Know your polling place. Confirm where and when you’ll vote, including early voting options, at actblue.com/vote.
- Know your rights. Intimidating voters is against federal law. If something doesn’t feel right, tell a poll worker.
- Save the Election Protection hotline number. If you run into problems at the polls, call the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
It’s natural to feel concerned when so much feels uncertain, but you have more power than you might think. The best way to defend our elections is to show up for them.
Make your pledge to vote this November and share it with your friends and family so they know you’re all in.
Want more election updates straight from ActBlue? Subscribe to our blog below to follow along through Election Day.
ActBlue is a safe and secure fundraising platform that enables millions of Americans to participate at a grassroots level in the most fundamental pillar of our society: elections. For 22 years, we’ve been a vital part of the infrastructure of our democracy.
If you believe in what ActBlue does and want to make sure this infrastructure stays strong, independent, and ready for Election Day, please consider leaving a tip when you make your next contribution. Tips fund the technical infrastructure, fraud prevention, and cybersecurity required to process billions of dollars for thousands of Democratic candidates safely. When you leave a tip, you are ensuring that a local school board candidate or a grassroots organizer has access to the same technology as a national campaign.
Never miss a blog post!
Get updates on what’s happening at ActBlue, straight from the source
Built for you. Built to win.
- Fundraising
- Field Tools
- Website Builder
