DOJ Plans Election Monitoring in California, New Jersey

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to deploy federal election monitors to California and New Jersey next month, responding to requests from the state Republican parties. This decision aims to oversee polling sites during the upcoming elections, which are scheduled for November 4, 2024.

The DOJ plans to station observers in Passaic County, New Jersey, and five counties in California: Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Riverside, and Fresno. According to the DOJ, the initiative seeks to “ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.” Pamela Bondi, the Attorney General, emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that it translates to public trust in the electoral process.

Election monitoring is a routine practice for the DOJ, particularly in states with significant electoral activities. California and New Jersey are both poised for elections that could have substantial national implications. New Jersey’s governor’s race features an open seat, attracting considerable financial backing from both political parties, while California’s special election focuses on redistricting efforts that may counter Republican strategies ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The recent move aligns with the Republican Party’s ongoing concerns about election integrity, particularly following former President Donald Trump‘s unsubstantiated claims regarding the legitimacy of mail-in voting. Democrats express apprehension that the current administration may leverage similar allegations to influence the upcoming midterm elections.

The announcement follows letters sent by Republican officials in both states to the DOJ, requesting monitoring assistance. The California GOP, in a letter dated Monday and obtained by the Associated Press, urged Harmeet Dhillon, the head of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, to provide monitors in the targeted counties. GOP Chairwoman Corrin Rankin expressed concerns about reported irregularities that could undermine voter confidence.

One of the critical issues in California is a redistricting proposition that could significantly alter the congressional landscape, potentially adding up to five Democratic seats. The counties named have faced allegations of sending incorrect or duplicate ballots, as well as concerns regarding the maintenance of voter rolls in Los Angeles and Orange counties. California is among several states currently involved in legal disputes with the DOJ regarding voter roll information.

As most Californians cast their votes using mail ballots, the state has developed a reputation for extended counting periods. In 2024, it took until early December to confirm the election of Democrat Adam Gray in the final congressional race to be decided nationally. This year, the stakes are particularly high with California’s proposed changes to its congressional map.

In New Jersey, the GOP’s request mirrors that of their California counterparts, asking for federal monitors to oversee the processing of mail-in ballots in Passaic County. The New Jersey Republican State Committee highlighted the need for federal involvement to ensure an accurate vote count, especially in a region that has become pivotal for GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli against Democrat Mikie Sherrill.

The letter from New Jersey Republicans referenced previous instances of voter fraud, including a judge’s decision to order a new election in Paterson due to allegations of misconduct. In response, Michael Zhadanovsky, a spokesperson for New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, stated that federal interference would be inappropriate, asserting the state’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of elections.

The DOJ has historically dispatched observers to regions with records of voting rights violations to ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws. In past elections, some Republican-led states resisted federal monitors’ presence at polling sites, leading to tensions regarding election oversight.

While voter fraud does occur, it remains infrequent, with numerous safeguards established to prevent such incidents. The DOJ’s efforts will be managed by Dhillon’s Civil Rights Division, which will coordinate with U.S. attorney’s offices and engage with local officials. Dhillon affirmed the DOJ’s dedication to protecting the votes of eligible citizens and ensuring safe, secure elections.

As the election approaches, the DOJ is open to additional requests for monitoring in other jurisdictions, further highlighting the heightened focus on election integrity in the lead-up to the pivotal 2024 elections.