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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 18, 2026Miami-Dade

Senator Slotkin requests commitment from Defense Secretary Hegseth to keep military away from midterm polling places

Senator Elissa Slotkin has formally requested that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine confirm that the Department of Defense will not deploy federal troops to polling locations or seize election materials during the upcoming midterm elections. The request follows concerns from Democratic lawmakers regarding potential military interference in the electoral process.

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Why It Matters

The request addresses the legal and constitutional boundaries regarding the use of the U.S. military in domestic election administration, a matter of significant public interest regarding the integrity of the voting process.

Key Facts

  • Senator Elissa Slotkin sent letters to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine requesting confirmation that federal troops will not be sent to polls or used to seize election materials.
  • Federal law prohibits the deployment of armed federal forces to election locations unless necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.
  • The Pentagon stated it will respond to the correspondence through standard congressional channels.
  • In an April congressional hearing, Pete Hegseth stated he has never been ordered to do anything illegal and would not do so.
  • White House chief of staff Susie Wiles previously stated that the use of the military to suppress voting is 'categorically false'.
  • Senator Slotkin cited concerns based on past actions, including the deployment of National Guard to cities and active duty Marines to Los Angeles in 2025.
  • In 2020, then-Chairman Gen. Mark Milley stated that election disputes are to be resolved by courts and Congress, not the military.

Who's Mentioned

personSusie Wiles“White House chief of staff who previously denied military election suppression.”personMark Milley“Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”personElissa Slotkin“Michigan Senator requesting military non-interference in elections.”personDan Caine“Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”personPete Hegseth“Defense Secretary receiving the request.”personDonald Trump“President referenced regarding past and potential future use of military.”