Abigail Spanberger announced Tuesday that she plans to sign an executive order aimed at helping election workers respond if federal agents appear at polling locations in Virginia during future elections.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Center for American Progress in Washington, Spanberger said the order will provide guidance for state employees and election workers on how to react if federal agents show up at polling places in a way that could intimidate voters.
According to Spanberger, the executive order is meant to address fears that some voters may feel pressured or discouraged from voting if armed federal officers are present near election sites.
She said:
“Throughout history, we have seen efforts at intimidating voters.”
The governor also expressed concern that fears surrounding voter intimidation could increase ahead of future elections.
The discussion comes amid ongoing political tensions over election security and voting rights following repeated claims by Donald Trump about voter fraud in previous elections.
Some Democratic officials have raised concerns that federal law enforcement agencies could become involved near polling places during the 2026 midterm elections.
Those concerns increased after former Trump adviser Steve Bannon reportedly suggested earlier this year that immigration enforcement operations could serve as preparation for election season activities.
However, federal officials have publicly denied that immigration agents would be deployed to polling places.
Earlier this year, Shirley Weber reportedly asked federal officials whether election offices would receive notice about immigration enforcement operations near voting sites.
According to participants on that call, Heather Honey responded by saying:
“There will be no ICE presence at polling locations.”
Federal election monitors from the United States Department of Justice are legally allowed to observe elections in some situations. However, it is generally illegal for law enforcement officers to intimidate voters or interfere directly with election operations.
A coalition of local prosecutors called the Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach also responded strongly to the issue on Tuesday.
Larry Krasner warned that anyone attempting to intimidate voters at polling sites could face legal consequences under state law, regardless of whether they are federal agents.
The governor’s office has not yet released full details about the executive order.
