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The Voting Systems Protection Act would establish strict federal procedures for how the federal government handles election materials seized from states. When federal agencies seize voting machines, ballots, voter registration files, election records, or related equipment, they must obtain a court warrant, provide state officials 48 hours advance notice, allow a designated state official to oversee the handling and maintain continuous access during custody, and comply with chain-of-custody documentation signed by the state representative. The bill also creates criminal penalties of up to 10 years in prison and permanent disqualification from federal office for federal officials who tamper with, destroy, mishandle, or obstruct state oversight of seized election materials, with a nine-year statute of limitations. Additionally, the bill prohibits federal seizure of election materials within 120 days before or after any federal election except in cases of imminent harm to election integrity verified by federal court order, with states able to seek expedited judicial review and federal officials subject to civil penalties up to $500,000 per violation. The Attorney General must issue implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment and develop mandatory training for federal law enforcement on these requirements.

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