The Justice Department announced today it will monitor polling sites in six counties in California and New Jersey ahead of November 4 elections, as voters prepare to cast their ballots in less than two weeks.
The department said the move, which focuses on two Democratic-led states, will “ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.”
“Transparency at the polls translates into faith in the electoral process, and this Department of Justice is committed to upholding the highest standards of election integrity,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement.
The practice of sending federal election monitors to local jurisdictions dates back decades, though the Trump administration has tried to assert new authority over elections.
The following sites will be monitored, according to the Justice Department:
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Kern County, California
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Riverside County, California
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Fresno County, California
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Orange County, California
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Los Angeles County, California
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Passaic County, New Jersey
CNN has reached out to these counties’ election departments for comment.
Los Angeles County Clerk Dean Logan said in a statement, “The presence of election observers is not unusual and is a standard practice across the country.”
“Federal election monitors, like all election observers, are welcome to view election activities at designated locations to confirm transparency and integrity in the election process,” Logan added. “California has very clear laws and guidelines that support observation and prohibit election interference.”
Fresno County Clerk James Kus told CNN that Justice Department “has not contacted” him about the monitoring, adding “The Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters welcomes all observers for our elections.”
Upcoming races: On November 4, Californians will be voting on a new congressional map that could give Democrats up to five additional seats in the US House. Meanwhile, voters in New Jersey will be voting for governor.
