1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

Protect Elections and Voting Rights!   I am writing as a constituent with growing concern that recent developments surrounding election administration and public rhetoric about elections are undermining confidence in our democratic system and could threaten the ability of Americans to vote freely and without intimidation.   States administer elections, but the Constitution also gives Congress authority—and responsibility—to protect federal elections and voting rights. Congress has long exercised this role through laws protecting voters from intimidation, discrimination, and interference. At this moment, that responsibility is especially urgent.   A number of trends are deeply troubling: continued claims that elections are illegitimate without credible evidence; escalating partisan battles over district maps; federal and state legal actions over voter rolls that risk politicizing routine maintenance; efforts to centralize or “nationalize” aspects of election control; and the increasing normalization of heavily armed federal forces in civilian spaces connected to immigration enforcement. Some public figures and activist groups have promoted deploying large numbers of partisan monitors or security-style presences around elections, raising concerns about possible voter intimidation.   Even when individual actions may be lawful, the cumulative effect risks creating fear, confusion, and declining trust in the voting process.   Democracy depends not only on secure elections but also on public confidence that voting is free from intimidation and partisan manipulation. Once that trust erodes, it is extremely difficult to restore.   I urge Congress to act decisively to:   • Strengthen protections against voter intimidation.  • Ensure federal law enforcement or military forces are not deployed in ways that could deter or intimidate voters.  • Protect the independence of state and local election administration from partisan pressure.  • Support transparent, evidence-based election security practices while rejecting unfounded claims that delegitimize certified results.  • Provide funding and legal protection for election officials and workers who are facing growing harassment and threats.   This is not a partisan issue. It is about preserving a system in which all Americans—regardless of party—can trust that their vote will be counted fairly and safely.   I ask you to publicly state what actions you will take to defend free and fair federal elections and to oppose efforts that weaken public confidence in our democratic institutions.