With Election Day approaching, Berks County officials are reminding voters that state and federal laws place restrictions on the presence of law enforcement officers at polling locations.
In a statement issued Monday, October 5, the County of Berks outlined the legal limitations governing police officers, federal law enforcement personnel and military members at polling places, while reassuring residents that procedures are in place to protect voters from unnecessary interference.
Under Pennsylvania’s Election Code, police officers and other law enforcement personnel generally are prohibited from being within 100 feet of a polling place during an election. Exceptions include officers who are voting, serving warrants, responding to a disturbance or working at a location where the polling place is inside a police station.
Federal law also limits the presence of federal law enforcement officials and U.S. military personnel at polling locations, with limited exceptions, including when they are voting.
Pennsylvania law allows constables and deputy constables to be present at polling places to preserve the peace.
The county clarified that the legal definition of a polling place refers specifically to the room where voting takes place, rather than necessarily including the entire building.
According to the county, Berks County Election Services staff regularly review legal requirements and polling place procedures with district election officers to help ensure elections are conducted safely and without unnecessary interference.
County officials encouraged voters who have questions or concerns about conduct at their polling location to first speak with the Judge of Election overseeing that location.
Residents who experience or witness voter intimidation, election fraud or other election-related crimes may also contact the Pennsylvania Department of State at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or submit a complaint online at https://www.pa.gov/services/vote/file-an-election-complaint.
Anyone who feels physically unsafe at a polling location should call 911.
The reminder comes ahead of the November 3, 2026, general election.