Sen. Slotkin Seeks Pentagon Pledge To Keep Troops From 2026 Polls
Sen. Elissa Slotkin sent letters Tuesday, August 18, 2026, asking the Defense Department for a pledge that U.S. troops will not go to polling places or seize election materials in the 2026 midterms.[1]
Her letters were addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine.[1] She asked for a clear commitment that the department will not dispatch troops to polling sites or seize ballots or other election materials.[1] The Pentagon said it would respond directly to Slotkin's inquiry, and the Joint Chiefs did not immediately comment.[1]
Federal law prohibits deploying armed federal forces to election locations unless necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.[1] Slotkin's letters formalize her request for a public Pentagon pledge ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Sen. Elissa Slotkin sent letters to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine.
- Slotkin requested a clear commitment that the Defense Department will not send federal troops to polling places or seize election materials in the 2026 midterms.
- The Pentagon said it will respond directly to Slotkin’s inquiry; the Joint Chiefs did not immediately comment.
- Federal law prohibits deploying armed federal forces to election locations unless necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.
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