Bobby Charles Proposes Federal Agents at Maine Polling Places

Republican nominee for governor of Maine Bobby Charles announced plans to request that U.S. Marshals and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents be deployed to polling places during the fall midterm elections. Speaking at an August 20 event in Arundel, Charles stated he intends to contact Trump administration border czar Tom Homan to facilitate the deployment, questioning if noncitizens being paid to vote would like the presence of federal agents.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and the Maine Democratic Party condemned the proposal, asserting that armed federal law enforcement will not be permitted at polling sites. Bellows noted that the plan is likely illegal under 18 U.S.C. § 592, which prohibits armed federal troops or officers at election sites unless necessary to repel armed enemies. The Charles campaign defended the proposal as a means to prevent violence and intimidation while ensuring only legal citizens vote.

The proposal aligns with broader efforts by President Donald Trump to intervene in election administration. While the Department of Homeland Security has previously denied plans to send ICE agents to polling sites, Secretary Markwayne Mullin testified that agents could be deployed if there were a specific threat.