H.R. 10497 — Protect Our Polls Act

This section expresses the sense of Congress that sending troops or armed persons to the polls has been a federal crime for more than 150 years under 18 U.S.C. sections 592 and 593, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, with a limited exception only for repelling armed enemies of the United States that has never been exercised.

This section requires the head of any agency deploying troops or armed persons, including federal law enforcement officers, to polling places to repel armed enemies of the United States to transmit an unclassified report to congressional leaders and committees of jurisdiction at least 48 hours in advance. The report must detail the number and units of personnel, supporting intelligence, specific locations, legal authority, training for civilian interaction, and justification that state and local forces cannot respond. It mandates a classified briefing by the Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, and FBI Director upon congressional reconvening, and prohibits any such deployment unless Congress first enacts a joint resolution under expedited procedures with 20-hour committee referral, 10-hour House consideration, and 6-hour final vote timelines.

This section prohibits the use of appropriated or other funds to authorize or order armed forces or Executive agency personnel to access election records required to be retained and preserved under the Civil Rights Act of 1960. It provides that nothing in the section prevents such personnel from voting if otherwise qualified under state law. The amendments sunset on January 20, 2029.