From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
DOJ targets 2 Indiana counties for election monitoring
DOJ singles out Lake and Marion counties for election monitoring without disclosing full list.
In brief
DOJ singles out Lake and Marion counties for election monitoring without disclosing full list. DOJ will send election monitors to Lake and Marion counties in Indiana but won't share full list until Election Day, sparking concerns among Democrats about voter intimidation. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
DOJ selects counties
The Department of Justice has informed Indiana state officials it plans to send election monitors to polling places in two majority-Democratic counties.
Counties chosen
Lake County in Northwest Indiana and Marion County home to Indianapolis are the two counties singled out for federal election monitoring.
Monitoring scope
The DOJ will send about 1,000 monitors nationwide to observe potential violations of federal law.
Timing of disclosure
The department will not share the full list of counties until Election Day.
Concerns raised
Some Democratic officials and residents in Lake and Marion counties argue announcing counties in advance by name causes voter intimidation concerns.
Ellen Kelly's view
Ellen Kelly, a grandmother from Gary, Indiana, called the DOJ's announcement a 'scare tactic' to control people and cause trouble.
“It’s a form of intimidation. It’s a way of controlling people and causing trouble”
Historical context
Lake and Marion counties are historically blue areas in a mostly-red state, both carried by Kamala Harris in 2024 with nearly 28 percentage points margin in Marion.
Local political dynamics
Lake County Democrats express concern about DOJ's track record for civil rights while Lake County GOP supports the move.
Lake County GOP stance
Lake County GOP Chair Randy Niemeyer supports the DOJ's move, saying federal monitors were present in 2016 without issues.
Randy Niemeyer's view
Randy Niemeyer, Lake County GOP Chair, says monitors won't have access to polling places and are routine for two large counties with many precincts.
Election officials response
Lake County election officials plan to meet with federal and state officials to discuss expected monitoring activities.
Election monitoring details
About a dozen election monitors will visit polling sites in Lake County but specific sites remain unclear.
Indiana Attorney General support
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, a Republican and Trump ally, supports the DOJ's move to ensure secure elections.
What happens next
Lake County officials will meet federal and state officials this week to discuss election monitoring activities.
The essence
DOJ will send election monitors to Lake and Marion counties in Indiana but won't share full list until Election Day, sparking concerns among Democrats about voter intimidation.
