18 USC 592
Federal criminal statute restricting troops and armed personnel at election sites.
Codified in its present section in 1948, section 592 combines a restriction on federal force at election sites with criminal penalties. Its text also preserves qualified service members' right to vote.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Timeline for 18 USC 592
Formed the basis of the county's claim
US Midterms 2026: Arlington sues over armed men at pollsBackground
Section 592 sits in the elections and political activities chapter of the United States criminal code. It covers Army and Navy officers and other people in federal civilian, military or naval service. The prohibited Conduct includes ordering, bringing, keeping or controlling troops or armed personnel where a general or special election is held. The text expressly permits force necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.
The section provides for a fine, imprisonment for up to five years, or both, together with disqualification from federal office. A separate paragraph preserves armed forces members' voting rights when they qualify under state law. The 1948 codification combined two predecessor provisions. Congress changed the fine wording in 1994, replacing a fixed monetary ceiling with the general provision for fines under Title 18. These details appear in the [official text and revision notes](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title18-section592&num=0&edition=prelim).
Reference
What are the penalties under 18 USC 592?
What exception does 18 USC 592 contain?
What does 18 USC 592 prohibit?
Why did Arlington County invoke 18 USC 592?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.