Let's talk about Trump, troops at the polls, and roadblocks.... - Belle of the Ranch

[TexasTowelie]

Well, howdy there Internet people. It's Belle again. So, today we're going to talk about troops at polling stations.

Trump allies are now suggesting the possibility of putting troops at polling stations. That led to this question. Belle, you called that they couldn't cancel the election. Then you called that federalizing wouldn't work either. Now, they've moved on to just saying they're going to put the troops at the polling stations. I know you say not to debate this because it puts it in the window. So, is there anything that would actually stop them from putting troops at the polls? If not, just don't answer or make a video.

So, I guess it's a big spoiler that I'm making a video. There's a pretty big roadblock to this in Title 18. It's actually titled Troops at Polls. "Whoever being an officer of the Army or Navy or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years or both and be disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under the United States.” The only exemption is literally for troops to vote.

What's being suggested is very much explicitly prohibited by law. In fact, I've heard some commentary that the phrasing of this prohibits pretty much any type of armed force directed by the Executive Branch at the polls. That being said, I'd actually be willing to roll the dice on this one. They want to put US troops at the polling stations. Do it.

What exactly do Trump allies think the US military is going to do to American citizens at polling stations on election day? First, they're falling for their own propaganda. The military is not uniformly Republican. Second, are they actually expecting US service members to interfere with American citizens ability to vote? I honestly can't think of a better or faster way to turn almost the entire military against the administration.

I actually see a possibility of some significant fallout just from the mere suggestion that some politician can turn them against the founding principles of this country, their oaths, and the American people by ordering them to do something explicitly against the law. I honestly can't think of anything more insulting than saying American troops would influence the election at the polls. It's a suggestion that would only be made by people who don't understand the ethos.

So, the answer to the question is that plain and simple, putting the troops at the polls is illegal. Just like the previous suggestions, I think we should probably take a moment to acknowledge that this is the third suggestion regarding messing with the midterms that is obviously and plainly against the law.

Anyway, it's just a thought. Y'all have a good day.