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If an employer puts it in the work contract that they may require a polygraph (either to gain employment or keep it) can I refuse?

The relevant statutory body regarding polygraphs in the US mentions on their website that nobody can be forced to do a polygraph. It also mentions refusing to do one is not an admission of guilt.

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    Please provide a link to the website of the "relevant statutory body "
    – David Siegel
    Nov 16, 2022 at 19:32
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    Of course you can refuse. And, if you have certain security clearances, those will be terminated. Which may also terminate your employment if your job requires them.
    – Jon Custer
    Nov 17, 2022 at 21:08

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It depends. There is a law, 29 USC Ch. 22, which generally prohibits employers from requiring polygraph tests before or during employment. However, there are exceptions. It only limits private employers, not governments; certain private employers are allowed to require such tests. The exemptions are set out here. They broadly fall into "government security concerns" (defense subcontractors etc.), security firms, and drug companies.

The penalties to be visited on violators are spelled out here.

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