The Overview

If you vote in person this November, law enforcement officers generally cannot make arrests within 200 feet of your polling place on Election Day, except for crimes that disrupt polling operations or crimes against a person or property. California's Senate Bill 884, the "Protect Our Polls Act," became law when Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed it Sept. 19. ​

Some election workers have faced threats and harassment since 2020, and in November 2024 bomb threats forced evacuations at election offices in California and Maryland, while suspected arson damaged ballot drop boxes in Oregon and Washington shortly before Election Day that year. The law took effect immediately and applies to elections from the Nov. 3, 2026, statewide general election through 2029.

What the Law Does

Under SB 884, law enforcement officers may not make arrests within 200 feet of a polling place on Election Day, except for crimes that disrupt polling operations or crimes against a person or property. It also requires all ballot drop-off locations to be open at least 30 days before an election, up from 28, and allows county boards of supervisors to extend the existing electioneering ban from 100 feet to up to 200 feet around voting locations. Officers must notify the Secretary of State and Attorney General of any suspected or actual violation of those prohibitions, and county elections officials may extend polling hours at any location where voting was disrupted by a violation.

Legislative Status

Sen. Tom Umberg (D) sponsored the bill, saying it protects California's November elections from voter intimidation and federal interference. Cosponsors are Sen. Sabrina Cervantes (D) and Asm. Avelino Valencia (D).

The Senate passed the bill May 19, 30 to 9. The Assembly passed it Aug. 31, 57 to 18, and the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments the same day, 30 to 10.

The Peace Officers' Research Association of California opposed the bill, saying it "unnecessarily restricts law enforcement operations near polling places and limits officer discretion," according to an Assembly floor analysis. The California State Sheriffs' Association also stated opposition during an Assembly Elections Committee hearing, according to CalMatters' Digital Democracy.

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