voter intimidation

American  

[voh-ter in-tim-i-dey-shuhn] / ˈvoʊ tər ɪnˌtɪm ɪˈdeɪ ʃən /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of voter intimidation

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

“We train our people to do legal canvassing, and if ever verified, voter intimidation would be completely unacceptable and against our policy,” NY Citizens Audit Director Kim Hermance said in the statement.

From Washington Times • Oct. 4, 2023

At the same proceeding, a Black woman likened her challenge to voter intimidation.

From Salon • Jul. 13, 2023

The sentence arrived two years after they were indicted in Ohio for their voter intimidation scheme.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2022

Prosecutors in the same division also enforce criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and efforts to suppress voting based on someone’s race, national origin or religion.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2022

Institutions should take them seriously and make sure there is no voter intimidation, but it’s just as important to send the message that it’s safe and important to vote.

From Slate • Nov. 3, 2022