DOJ to Deploy Federal Election Monitors in California and New Jersey Ahead of Key November Races

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Friday that it will deploy federal election monitors to selected counties in California and New Jersey ahead of next month’s highly anticipated elections.

The move, part of the DOJ’s broader Election Day Program, comes amid growing partisan tension over election integrity and oversight.

According to department officials, the monitors will be stationed in jurisdictions identified as “key counties” based on population size, prior voting irregularities, and requests from local election officials.

“The Department of Justice has an obligation to ensure that every eligible voter can cast a ballot free from intimidation and interference,” a DOJ spokesperson said. “Our monitors will work to protect the integrity of the electoral process.”

A Response to GOP Concerns

The decision follows requests from several Republican lawmakers, who urged federal oversight in areas where they alleged previous “voting irregularities” and procedural inconsistencies during the 2022 midterms.

Supporters of the move argue that federal monitors will add transparency and help rebuild public trust in the system.

“Election monitoring is not about partisanship — it’s about accountability,” said one GOP representative. “Every American deserves to know their vote counts and is counted properly.”

Democrats Voice Opposition

However, Democratic leaders in both states have criticized the decision, calling it unnecessary and politically motivated. Some officials suggested that the deployment could undermine local election authorities and fuel misinformation.

“California has one of the most secure and transparent election systems in the country,” said one Democratic state official. “Federal monitors risk confusing voters and legitimizing baseless claims of fraud.”

What Comes Next

The Justice Department has not yet disclosed which specific counties will receive monitors, citing security and logistical considerations. The department’s Civil Rights Division will oversee the operations, with assistance from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in each state.

Federal election monitors have traditionally been used to observe compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, especially in jurisdictions with histories of voter discrimination or disputes over election administration.

As the November elections approach — with several high-stakes congressional and state races on the line — both parties are bracing for another test of voter confidence and institutional credibility.