DOJ to Deploy Election Monitors in California and New Jersey Boosting Election Integrity Amid GOP Requests

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to send federal observers to California and New Jersey for upcoming elections. This move comes after requests from state Republican parties concerned about election integrity.

The DOJ will monitor polling places in Passaic County, New Jersey, and five counties in California: Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Riverside, and Fresno. Their mission? To ensure transparency and ballot security in the electoral process.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized that transparency fosters trust in elections. The DOJ regularly monitors elections, but this attention on California and New Jersey is significant due to their important upcoming elections on November 4. New Jersey has an open gubernatorial seat, while California is holding a special election to potentially redraw congressional boundaries, aiming to gain Democratic seats ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Concerns about election integrity have risen in the GOP, especially since former President Trump repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election and raised alarms about mail-in voting. Democrats worry this focus could influence the upcoming midterm elections with unfounded claims of fraud.

Republican leaders in both states sent letters to the DOJ asking for observers. New Jersey’s Attorney General Matt Platkin criticized the decision, saying it lacks a legitimate basis.

California’s GOP requested monitors due to reports of irregularities in past elections which, they fear, could affect voter confidence. On November 4, California will vote on a redistricting proposition that may add up to five Democratic congressional seats.

Brandon Richards, spokesperson for California Governor Gavin Newsom, argued that the DOJ has no right to “interfere” since the ballot involves local issues only. He labeled the federal observer efforts as a potential intimidation tactic.

However, Orange County officials welcomed observers, noting that it’s common to have a mix of local, state, and federal monitors. Los Angeles County Clerk Dean Logan reassured voters that the processes are transparent and secure. With about 5.8 million registered voters, Los Angeles is dedicated to updating and verifying voter records regularly.

Most Californians vote by mail, contributing to lengthy vote counting processes. For example, in 2024, it took until December to confirm the winner of a congressional race in the Central Valley. This trend of delayed results is common in the nation’s largest state.

In New Jersey, Republicans also expressed need for federal monitoring. They focused on Passaic County, which has a history of electoral challenges, notably a 2020 case resulting in a new election due to voter fraud allegations. The GOP argued that monitoring is essential to ensure a fair count while state officials reaffirm their commitment to secure elections.

Election observers play a crucial role nationwide. Both political parties typically have representatives at polling places to monitor the rules. Historically, the DOJ has acted in areas with voting rights violations to ensure compliance with federal laws.

Trump has long voiced skepticism about mail-in ballots, claiming they are prone to fraud. However, studies consistently show that widespread election fraud is virtually nonexistent in the U.S. Earlier in the year, Trump sought to ban vote-by-mail, despite lacking the power to do so.

The DOJ’s efforts will be executed under the Civil Rights Division. They are also open to more requests for monitoring in additional jurisdictions. David Becker, a former DOJ attorney, noted that federal intervention in state elections must have a strong justification, particularly regarding voter discrimination. Ultimately, if observers adhere to rules, their presence may not impact voters significantly.

In a time filled with political tension and scrutiny over elections, the focus on transparency and trust in the electoral process remains crucial. With all eyes on California and New Jersey, the outcomes of these elections could resonate far beyond their borders.

Source link

New Jersey, Elections, Donald Trump, California, Gavin Newsom, Joe Biden, U.S. Republican Party, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Democratic Party, General news, Matt Platkin, Bob Page, Adam Gray, Politics, Dean Logan, Kate Gibbs, Brandon Richards, Jack Ciattarelli, David Becker, Washington news, Pamela Bondi, Harmeet Dhillon, U.S. news, Corrin Rankin, U.S. News