voter intimidation

[ voh-ter in-tim-i-dey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of attempting to deter voters from registering to vote or from casting a ballot, by force or intimidation, including the dissemination of personal information that would make voters the target of harassment, illegal or inappropriate monitoring or surveillance of voters, and threats of either violence or prosecution:

   Existing federal and state laws that prohibit voter intimidation, including the prohibition of firearms at polling locations, went unenforced by local officials.

Word History and Origins

Origin of voter intimidation¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

America has obviously made tremendous progress since the days of Jim Crow, Bull Connor, and voter intimidation at the polls.

From The Daily Beast

The prime minister had recently held new elections, which were marred by bribes, voter intimidation, and killings.

From The Daily Beast

On Thursday he held a press conference in Juneau claiming there had been voter intimidation and fraud during the race.

From The Daily Beast

More shocking, reveals John Avlon, were the tactics: sexual innuendos, voter intimidation, near-fisticuffs.

From The Daily Beast