The Department of Justice has begun notifying various counties across the United States of its plans to deploy federal monitors on Election Day. This initiative is part of what officials call the largest monitoring effort in the agency's history, with a goal of sending 1,000 observers to polling locations to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws.

Why is this year different?

While the DOJ has routinely observed elections for decades to protect rights for voters with disabilities and those needing language assistance, the scale of this deployment is unprecedented. In the 2022 midterms, the department monitored 64 jurisdictions across 24 states using 388 people. This year's plan aims to more than double that presence.

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Some state and local officials have expressed significant concerns regarding the intent behind the surge. Concerns include:

  • Potential voter intimidation in competitive districts.
  • Federal attempts to "nationalize" the administration of elections.
  • Interference with traditional state and local control of the voting process.

In Colorado, Adams County Clerk Josh Zygielbaum suggested the deployment might be intended to "intimidate" voters due to a tight congressional race.

How will monitors operate in local jurisdictions?

Federal monitors, which include DOJ attorneys, are legally prohibited from being disruptive. In states like Minnesota, local officials have noted that counties maintain the right to veto the presence of monitors inside polling places. If vetoed, observers must remain outside a designated 100-foot perimeter from the entrance.

New regulations in some areas are also changing the rules of engagement. For example, Colorado recently implemented rules requiring federal monitors to obtain permission from the secretary of state's office before deploying, ending a previous exemption.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of DOJ election monitors?

The monitors are tasked with observing polling sites to ensure that federal voting rights laws are being followed without interfering with the voting process.

Which states have already been notified?

Notifications have been sent to jurisdictions in Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, among others.