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U.S. military doesn’t plan to deploy troops to the polls in November, general says
nbcnews.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that the U.S. military has no plans to deploy troops or federalized National Guard members to polling places during the 2026 midterm elections.
- Caine emphasized that election security is the responsibility of state and local officials and that the military will not seize ballots, voting machines, or other election materials.
- The statement comes amid ongoing concerns following former President Donald Trump's remarks about using the military to intervene in the 2020 election, which he falsely claimed was stolen.
- Senate Democrats, including Sen. Elissa Slotkin, have proposed legislation to prohibit the president from sending armed forces to polling sites during elections to prevent potential military involvement.
- Federal law restricts military presence at polls unless necessary to repel armed enemies, reinforcing the constitutional role of civilian authorities in election administration.
