Development of abortion voting initiatives in midterm elections
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The Justice Department will monitor key local elections in California and New Jersey, which officials in both Democratic-run states have criticized as voter suppression.
The agency announced Friday, Oct. 24, that it would monitor elections at five sites in California and one site in New Jersey ahead of the Nov. 4 elections in both states. The California venues are Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Riverside and Fresno counties, and the New Jersey venue being monitored is Passaic County.
“Transparency at voting locations fosters trust in the election process, and the Department of Justice is committed to upholding the highest standards of election integrity,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “We will commit the resources necessary to ensure that Americans receive fair, free, and transparent elections.”
While it is not unusual for the Justice Department to monitor local elections, the move has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue that the Trump administration is targeting an election that could be a key victory for the party.
The department’s announcement came after Republican officials in both states asked for help monitoring the election.
Here’s what you need to know:
State officials respond to election observation
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom also quickly responded, saying in a post on X that President Donald Trump’s “intent is clear.”
“He wants to suppress voting,” Newsom posted. “And if we win, he will make false claims of fraud. We will not be intimidated. California will protect free and fair elections.”
California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla told the Los Angeles Times that as a former California secretary of state, he knows that “California’s elections are safe and secure, and election fraud remains extremely rare.”
“Historically, we have looked to the U.S. Department of Justice to protect voting rights and ensure that elections are conducted smoothly, but that has changed under the Trump administration,” Padilla told the Times. “Donald Trump has weaponized the Department of Justice to attack the public’s confidence in our elections and take steps to block access to the ballot. Any action by Justice Department watchdogs that makes it difficult for eligible citizens to exercise their right to vote crosses a red line.”
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin (D) said in a statement to USA TODAY that the Department of Justice’s oversight of Passaic County elections was “grossly inappropriate.”
“Our country is committed to ensuring free, fair, and secure elections, and we will not allow anyone to interfere or disrupt our elections,” Platkin said. “The Justice Department has not even attempted to identify a legitimate basis for its actions. The Constitution gives the states, not the federal government, primary responsibility for conducting elections, and our state’s dedicated election officials have been preparing for months to conduct safe and secure elections. We are committed to ensuring all voters cast their votes and have their voices heard, and we are considering all options to stop acts that intimidate voters or interfere with elections.” ”
Learn more about monitored elections
California voters will decide whether to approve Proposition 50 on November 4th. Proposition 50 would redraw the California Legislature and add five Democrats to the House.
In New Jersey, voters are deciding whether Democrat Mikie Sherrill or Republican Jack Ciatarelli will be the next governor.
“The Department will take all necessary steps to protect voters’ votes and ensure election security,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said in a statement. “Transparent electoral processes and election monitoring are important tools for protecting our elections and ensuring public confidence in their integrity.”
