The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to send federal election observers to California and New Jersey next month, focusing on two pivotal Democratic states as they prepare for off-year elections. This move follows requests from state Republican parties and aims to ensure transparency and compliance with federal election laws.
The DOJ announced on Friday its plans to monitor polling sites in Passaic County, New Jersey, alongside five counties in southern and central California: Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Riverside, and Fresno. The initiative seeks to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, as emphasized by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who stated, “Transparency at the polls translates into faith in the electoral process.”
The focus on California and New Jersey coincides with closely monitored elections scheduled for November 4. New Jersey is contending with an open gubernatorial seat, attracting significant investment from both political parties. Meanwhile, California is conducting a special election aimed at redrawing its congressional map, a strategic move to counteract Republican gerrymandering efforts ahead of the 2026 midterms.
This deployment of federal monitors is part of the Republican Party’s ongoing concerns about election integrity, especially following former President Trump’s claims regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 election results. Democrats are wary that the new administration may leverage similar unfounded allegations of fraud in the upcoming midterms.
The recent announcement came shortly after the Republican parties in both states sent letters to the DOJ requesting assistance. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin criticized the decision, labeling it “highly inappropriate” and questioning the legitimacy of the DOJ’s actions. In California, Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, condemned the move, asserting that “no amount of election interference by the California Republican Party is going to silence the voices of California voters.”
The California GOP's letter, sent Monday and obtained by the Associated Press, urged Harmeet Dhillon, head of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, to send monitors due to reports of irregularities in the targeted counties. These allegations, including issues like incorrect or duplicate ballots, raise concerns about voter participation and trust in the election results.
On the ballot this November in California is a redistricting proposition that may lead to the addition of up to five Democratic seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The counties cited by the GOP have faced scrutiny over their voter roll management and other electoral procedures.
California is among at least eight states involved in DOJ lawsuits concerning voter roll information. The DOJ has not specified why it is pursuing this data. Notably, Dhillon has a history of legal challenges related to California's election laws and has previously represented the California Republican Party in lawsuits regarding ballot collection efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brandon Richards, a spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized the DOJ's interference in California's election process, arguing that the ballot contains only state-specific initiatives. He described the deployment of federal observers as an intimidation tactic aimed at suppressing voter turnout.
In contrast, local election officials like Bob Page, the Orange County Registrar of Voters, welcomed the presence of observers, stating it is common for local, state, and federal representatives to monitor election operations. He characterized Orange County's elections as “accessible, accurate, fair, secure, and transparent.”
California has a distinct voting process, with most residents utilizing mail ballots returned via postal service, drop boxes, or local voting centers. This system often results in quieter polling places on Election Day. However, the state has also gained a reputation for extended counting periods, sometimes taking weeks to finalize results.
Echoing California's GOP, New Jersey Republicans have asked the DOJ to monitor the processing of mail-in ballots and access to the Board of Elections in suburban Passaic County. They argue that federal oversight is crucial for maintaining an accurate vote count, especially given the county's shifting political dynamics.
State officials, including Attorney General Platkin, have reiterated their commitment to fair and secure elections. With the DOJ's announcement, Platkin indicated that the attorney general's office is exploring all options to prevent intimidation and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Local election offices already employ observers from both political parties to ensure compliance with election rules. The DOJ's history of sending observers to areas with past voting rights violations highlights its commitment to upholding federal civil rights laws. However, the deployment of federal monitors without local agreement could lead to significant challenges and potential disorder.
