Troops at polls — Us Code Code § 592

Us Code Code § 592 — Troops at polls. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 592. 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 five years, or both; and be disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under the United States.

This section shall not prevent any officer or member of the armed forces of the United States from exercising the right of suffrage in any election district to which he may belong, if otherwise qualified according to the laws of the State in which he offers to vote.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 719; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§55 and 59 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §§22, 26, 35 Stat. 1092, 1093).

This section consolidates sections 55 and 59 of title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed.

Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.

In second paragraph, words "or member of the Armed Forces of the United States" were substituted for "soldier, sailor, or marine" so as to cover those auxiliaries which are now component parts of the Army and Navy.

Changes in phraseology were also made.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $5,000".

About This Section

18 U.S.C. § 592 is part of Title 18 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 18 U.S.C. § 592. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

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Statute text is transcribed from the official United States Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

Common questions

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The text above is transcribed from the United States Code, the codified statutes of Us Code. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.

What subject does United States Code § 592 address?

It addresses "Troops at polls". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is United States Code § 592 still in force?

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