DOJ to Deploy Election Monitors in California and New Jersey

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will send federal election monitors to California and New Jersey next month, following requests from state Republican parties. This initiative aims to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law during the upcoming elections, which are set for November 4, 2024.

The DOJ announced plans to monitor polling sites in several key locations, specifically in Passaic County, New Jersey, and five counties in California: Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Riverside, and Fresno. According to Attorney General Pamela Bondi, “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.”

Election monitoring is a standard procedure for the DOJ, especially in states with histories of voting irregularities. The focus on California and New Jersey is noteworthy, as both states face significant elections with national implications. New Jersey is preparing for a gubernatorial election, while California will hold a special election aimed at redrawing its congressional map to counteract Republican gerrymandering efforts ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The push for federal oversight follows letters from the California and New Jersey Republican parties requesting assistance. The California GOP expressed concerns about recent irregularities in the five counties, stating that these issues could undermine voter confidence and participation. In a letter to Harmeet Dhillon, head of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, GOP Chairwoman Corrin Rankin noted reports of incorrect or duplicate ballots and questioned the management of voter rolls in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

California’s election on November 4 will include a redistricting proposition that could add up to five additional Democratic seats to its U.S. House delegation. Concerns have been raised about the accuracy of the voting process in these areas, as evidenced by past issues like the delayed declaration of Adam Gray as the winner in a Central Valley district following the 2022 elections.

In New Jersey, Republicans have also requested DOJ monitors to oversee vote-by-mail ballots and ensure proper access to the Board of Elections in Passaic County. This county, once a Democratic stronghold, has witnessed a shift towards Republican support, particularly during the last presidential election. The New Jersey Republican State Committee emphasized the need for federal intervention to maintain an accurate vote count, citing a “long and sordid history” of voting irregularities in the area.

In response to these requests, Michael Zhadanovsky, spokesperson for New Jersey’s Attorney General Matt Platkin, stated it would be “highly inappropriate for the federal government to interfere in this November’s state election.” He reaffirmed New Jersey’s commitment to election integrity and the rights of eligible voters.

The DOJ has a longstanding practice of dispatching observers to regions with voting rights violations to ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws. David Becker, a former DOJ attorney now executive director of the Center for Election Integrity & Research, indicated that while local jurisdictions generally welcome monitors, any attempt to send them without clear legal justification could lead to discord at polling places.

The DOJ’s initiative reflects ongoing concerns about election integrity, especially in light of former President Donald Trump’s persistent claims of voter fraud, particularly regarding mail-in voting. Despite extensive studies indicating the rarity of widespread fraud in U.S. elections, the issue remains a focal point for many Republican leaders.

As the DOJ prepares for this election monitoring effort, it aims to ensure every eligible American citizen’s vote is protected and counted accurately. The department is also seeking additional requests for monitoring in other jurisdictions, highlighting its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process nationwide.