Many Philadelphians will head to the polls this week to cast ballots in the 2026 midterm elections. As Election Day approaches, voters should understand their rights, how to recognize potential voter intimidation and what to do if they encounter federal immigration agents near a polling place.
What to know about ICE at the polls
The U.S. Department of Justice has said federal immigration agents will not be deployed to polling places.
However, DOJ-appointed election monitors are permitted to observe voting activities. The monitors have been trained to avoid interfering with the voting process and will follow protocols used in previous elections.
Voter intimidation and interference are illegal in Pennsylvania and can carry penalties of up to five years in prison.
Voter intimidation can include physically preventing someone from casting their vote, as well as making threats, photographing or recording someone to intimidate them, or asking a voter for ID when the law does not require it.
Note: In Pennsylvania, voters only need an ID if it's your first time voting at a new polling place. If that is the case, you should bring an approved form of identification, such as a driver's license, passport or student ID.
State officials urge anyone who has experienced voter intimidation to report it immediately to the Department of State at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772).
Voters in the Philadelphia region can also report any issues to their local election offices at the following numbers:
Philadelphia: 215-686-3469
Bucks County: 215-348-6154
Montgomery County: 610-278-3280
If you witness potential voter intimidation, record the time, location and details of what happened, including what was said, if you can do so safely. Report the incident to election officials rather than confronting federal immigration agents or anyone else involved.
Do not physically obstruct agents or put yourself at risk. If you face an immediate threat of violence, call 911.
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