Tens of thousands of election monitors are expected at polling places across the United States on Election Day, as Democratic and nonprofit groups, the Justice Department and Republican-aligned organizations all plan to watch the midterm vote. The scale of the monitoring could be unlike anything seen at polling stations in modern times, according to the Associated Press.

Who will be watching the polls?

The oversight effort comes from several directions at once:

Read also Trump campaigns in Michigan as DOJ contests Alaska Senate race

  • Democratic and nonprofit groups: State Democratic parties have trained an estimated 10,000 volunteers to observe polling places, part of a broader network that includes Common Cause, the American Civil Liberties Union and democracy-focused organizations.
  • The Justice Department: The department is running what the AP describes as its largest-ever monitoring program. In Pennsylvania, monitors are slated for Philadelphia, Allegheny, Luzerne and Lehigh Counties for the Nov. 3 general election, according to a letter obtained by The Inquirer.
  • Republican-aligned groups: Additional observers from conservative organizations are also expected.

Why are so many monitors being deployed?

Democratic organizers say their presence is driven by concerns that President Donald Trump could use federal resources to interfere with a midterm that could limit his final two years in office. Jane Kleeb, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, said the party has never mounted an effort like this, adding that it has "never had to deal with the president of the United States saying that he may seize ballots." Democratic mayors, attorneys general and secretaries of state have also held tabletop exercises simulating scenarios such as a surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at voting locations.

What rules apply to federal monitors?

A Justice Department letter says its monitors "only observe and take notes" and do not interfere in the voting process. They may not wear uniforms or pins identifying them as department staff, and a Pennsylvania Department of State spokesperson said federal monitors have no greater access to polling places than members of the public. The monitors are tasked with checking compliance with federal voting laws, including the Voting Rights Act.

FAQ

Can federal monitors enter polling places?

Yes, but under the same rules as any member of the public, according to Pennsylvania officials, and they are barred from interfering with voting.

What is the Democratic cybersecurity unit doing?

The DNC created a first-of-its-kind unit staffed by former CIA and FBI officials to monitor and report online misinformation, including AI deepfakes, according to Kleeb.