# Justice Manual § 9-85.500: Actions that May Have an Impact on an Election

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.500

## Section

- **Citation:** Justice Manual § 9-85.500
- **Heading:** Actions that May Have an Impact on an Election
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DOJ Justice Manual / Title 9: Criminal / 9-85.000 - Protection of Government Integrity / Justice Manual § 9-85.500

## Text

Federal prosecutors and agents may never select the timing of any action, including investigative steps, criminal charges, or statements, for the purpose of affecting any election, or for the purpose of giving an advantage or disadvantage to any candidate or political party. Such a purpose is inconsistent with the Department’s mission and with the Principles of Federal Prosecution.
See
§ 9-27.260
. Any action likely to raise an issue or the perception of an issue under this provision requires consultation with the Public Integrity Section, and such action shall not be taken if the Public Integrity Section advises that further consultation is required with the Deputy Attorney General or Attorney General.

[added August 2022]

## Nearby sections

- [Justice Manual § 9-85.100 Supervisory Jurisdiction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.100.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.101 Bribery of Public Officials](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.101.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.110 Investigations Involving Members of Congress](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.110.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.200 Federally Protected Activities (18 U.S.C. § 245)](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.200.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.210 Violations of Campaign Financing Laws, Federal Patronage Laws, and Corruption of Elections—Consultation Requirement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.210.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.220 Purchase and Sale of Public Office (18 U.S.C. §§ 210, 211)](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.220.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.300 Non-Interference in Elections When Conducting Federal Criminal Investigations Involving Ballot Fraud](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.300.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.400 Armed Officials Where Elections are Held](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.400.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.500 Actions that May Have an Impact on an Election](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.500.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.500. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.