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What is Voter Suppresion?

Voter suppression refers to any actions or tactics aimed at preventing or discouraging eligible voters from exercising their right to vote. These tactics can take many forms, including restrictive voting laws, misinformation, intimidation, and targeted disenfranchisement of specific communities.

What is Voter Intimidation?

Voter intimidation involves using threats, harassment, or coercion to prevent someone from voting or to influence their vote. It is illegal and a violation of your civil rights. Intimidation can occur at the polls, through the mail, over the phone, or even online. Voter intimidation is a violation of federal law. Federal law says that "no person ... shall intimidate, threaten, coerce ... any other person for the purpose of interfering with the right of [that] person to vote or to vote as he may choose." Many states have their own laws prohibiting voter intimidation.

Examples of intimidation may include:

  • spreading false information about voter requirements
  • displaying false or misleading signs about voter fraud and the related criminal penalties
  • other harassment, particularly toward non-English speakers and voters of color
  • aggressively questioning voters about their citizenship, criminal record, or other qualifications to vote, in a manner intended to interfere with the voters’ rights

What can I do?

Document the Incident

  • Take detailed notes of what happened, including dates, times, locations, and any individuals involved. If possible, record the incident with your phone.

Report the Incident

You can report voter intimidation to:

  • The Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
  • The U.S. Department of Justice Voting Rights Hotline: 800-253-3931; TTY line 877-267-8971
  • Local and state officials, including poll workers; your county clerk, elections commissioner, elections supervisor; or your state board of elections
  • Trusted organizations like LULAC

If the police or federal agents knock on your door:

  • Ask to see the judicial warrant, which can be slid under your door. It must have your correct name and address and be signed by a judge. If the document does not have that information, say that you do not authorize their entrance and that you will call your attorney.
  • You have the right to remain silent. Remain silent until you speak with your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. Do not answer any questions or give information like which country you are from, say only "I want to speak to my lawyer." Remain calm and respectful.
  • DO NOT sign any document that you don’t understand.

Sources and Other Resources: