Concerns Mount Over Federal Interference in Upcoming Midterm Elections

Mon Feb 02 2026 16:51:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Democratic election officials express mounting fears of federal interference in the 2022 midterm elections, especially following a deadly immigration enforcement incident in Minnesota and the FBI's recent actions in Georgia.

As midterm elections approach, Democratic secretaries of state are increasingly anxious about possible federal interference. Events like immigration enforcement near polling places and the FBI's search of a Georgia election office heighten fears. Officials are ramping up scenario planning to ensure the integrity of the voting process amidst ongoing threats from the Trump administration. Scenarios being prepared for include bomb threats and potential aggressive actions from immigration agents at polling sites.

As the midterm elections draw near, Democratic election officials are raising alarm over potential federal intervention and intimidation tactics that could disrupt the voting process. Concerns were amplified following a deadly immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota that left two U.S. citizens dead, and the FBI's recent search of an Atlanta-area election office, which took possession of ballots and records linked to the contentious 2020 presidential election.

At an annual gathering of state election officials, Democratic secretaries of state expressed their fears of interference during the upcoming elections. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson highlighted how preparations are shifting to include not only ensuring ballots are secure but also planning for possible intrusive actions by federal agents. There’s a new component of election security that involves crisis planning, Benson remarked.

In light of these developments, election officials are reportedly increasing their preparations for various worst-case scenarios, which include immigration agents appearing at polling places or attempts to seize voting equipment. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold noted that her office is expanding its disaster simulations and contingency plans due to new uncertainties introduced by the Trump administration.

Worries have also arisen regarding the dismantling of federal programs aimed at monitoring election interference, raising questions about how far the administration might go to sway election outcomes. Additionally, the communication between the Trump administration and state officials about voter rolls has sparked ire among democracy advocates.

Concerns extend beyond just election integrity to public safety during voting periods. Officials worry that visible law enforcement presence could deter voter turnout, particularly among communities apprehensive about deportations. If people are too afraid to leave their homes, they’re going to be too afraid to vote, warned Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.

As these issues unfold, lawmakers at the federal level are similarly troubled, with some emphasizing the need to protect voter rights and maintain the integrity of U.S. elections. The growing sentiment among Democrats suggests a tightening environment ahead of the midterms, where vigilance and preparedness against potential federal overreach may define election outcomes.