As Election Day draws closer, Virginia is one of several states deemed to have a moderate risk of increased activity from militia groups. That’s according to a recent report from the research group MilitiaWatch. But Virginians do have legal protections against voter intimidation at the polls.
The report looked at states where militias have had recruitment drives and training in recent months. Virginia was now one of the states researchers deemed at the highest risk level, but it was one step down.
State law protects voters against intimidation at the polls. If a polling place is a school or a courthouse guns are not allowed, and it’s illegal to brandish a weapon in a way that could quote “reasonably induce fear.” Plus private citizens acting as law enforcement is illegal in the state.
Attorney General Mark Herring recently drafted an opinion outlining rules on voter intimidation.
“Voting is the bedrock of our democracy and no one should ever feel intimidated or unsafe when casting their ballot,” Herring said in a video made for election workers.
In a recent press conference Governor Ralph Northam also pointed out that millions of Virginians have already voted without incident and he assured voters that polling places will be safe on Tuesday and that everyone’s vote will count.
Voters can report complaints of intimidation at the Virginia Department of Elections website or by phone -- 800-552-9745.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
