"I think the conflict with Iran and recent terrorist bombing attempt in New York may influence public opinion on this issue, especially over the next few weeks. Most of the time having the National Guard at polling places would be seen as unnecessary. But I think most average Americans may be far more worried about the possibility of a terrorist attack than they are about the National Guard."
"Trump has not said he wants to deploy the Guard for this year's midterms, but in an interview with the New York Times in January he said he wished he had deployed Guard members in 2020 to try to seize election equipment he falsely claims was manipulated."
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reveals that 46% of Americans support deploying the National Guard to monitor polling places during midterm elections, while 54% oppose it. Republicans show notably higher support for this measure. While federal deployment of the National Guard at polling places would be illegal, states can legally use the Guard to support elections when ordered by governors. Election law experts suggest recent geopolitical tensions, including conflict with Iran and terrorism concerns, may influence public opinion on military presence at elections. Trump previously expressed regret about not deploying Guard members in 2020 and has discussed wanting Republicans to control voting in certain locations, raising concerns among election officials about potential election nationalization.
#election-security #national-guard-deployment #midterm-elections #political-polarization #election-law
Read at www.npr.org
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