From Dawn · Reuters · · 1m 40s
Minnesota and California Deploy DOJ Election Monitors
Minnesota and California prepare for DOJ election monitors amid election security concerns.
In brief
Minnesota and California prepare for DOJ election monitors amid election security concerns. Minnesota and California are coordinating with state attorneys general to shadow federal election monitors ahead of November 3 midterms as DOJ plans 1,000 monitors nationwide. Originally reported by Dawn.
Minnesota deploys 40 state employees
Minnesota officials deployed about 40 state employees working in pairs to track DOJ lawyers during August primary elections.
DOJ plans 1,000 monitors nationwide
The Justice Department plans to deploy about 1,000 monitors across all 50 states on Election Day, roughly triple the number from last midterm.
Democratic Secretary of State Steve Simon
Steve Simon, Democratic Secretary of State, said his office will coordinate with state attorney general’s office to shadow federal monitors during November 3 midterms.
California launches similar program
California has launched a similar monitoring program to track federal election observers during the November 3 midterms.
DOJ monitors focus on civil rights
DOJ monitors will focus on compliance with civil rights laws and countering voter intimidation, not interfering with election processes.
State laws limit monitor authority
Some states allow election officials to prevent DOJ monitors from entering polling locations within 30 meters of voting areas.
Nevada and Maine take action
In Nevada, local law enforcement will remove DOJ monitors breaking rules; in Maine, election supervisors must contact state if federal monitors request permission.
DOJ shifts focus to voter fraud
The Trump administration reshaped DOJ’s Civil Rights Division to prioritize election fraud and voting by non-US citizens over civil rights.
NAACP sues to bar prosecutors
The NAACP sued to bar prosecutors and law enforcement from serving as election monitors, arguing it constitutes voter intimidation.
What to remember
Minnesota and California are coordinating with state attorneys general to shadow federal election monitors ahead of November 3 midterms as DOJ plans 1,000 monitors nationwide.
