# DOJ targets 2 Indiana counties for election monitoring

> DOJ singles out Lake and Marion counties for election monitoring without disclosing full list.
- Title: DOJ targets 2 Indiana counties for election monitoring
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: doj, indiana, lake county, marion county, election monitoring, midterms, voter intimidation, indiana secretary of state, democratic party, federal election monitors, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2026/10/28/doj-election-monitors-northwest-indiana-lake-marion-county-indianapolis-midterms-voting-polls
- Published: 2026-10-28T18:36:22.012+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: doj, indiana, lake county, marion county, election monitoring, midterms, voter intimidation, indiana secretary of state, democratic party, federal election monitors, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.