Fri Oct 24 19:47:28 UTC 2025: Justice Department to Monitor Elections in California, New Jersey Amid Democratic Concerns

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing to deploy federal election observers to California and New Jersey for the upcoming elections, following requests from Republican parties in both states citing concerns about “irregularities.” The move has sparked outrage from Democrats who fear it’s an attempt to suppress votes and undermine the integrity of the electoral process, echoing former President Trump’s baseless claims of widespread voter fraud.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated the goal is to “ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.” Monitors will be present in Passaic County, New Jersey, and five California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Riverside, and Fresno.

Republicans in both states claim to have received reports of voting issues, such as incorrect ballots and concerns over voter roll maintenance, in these counties. The California Republican Party also points to the upcoming vote on redistricting proposition which would dramatically redraw California’s congressional lines to add as many as five additional Democratic seats to its US House delegation.

Democrats have strongly condemned the DOJ’s action. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin called it “highly inappropriate,” while Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, said it was “election interference.” Spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom called it an “intimidation tactic.”

While election monitoring is a routine DOJ function, Democrats worry this targeting of Democratic strongholds is politically motivated, especially considering Trump’s continued insistence that the 2020 election was stolen.

The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division will oversee the monitoring efforts, working with U.S. Attorney’s Offices and local officials. The department is also open to additional requests for monitoring in other jurisdictions.

Experts warn that deploying monitors without a clear legal basis and against the wishes of local officials could create chaos.

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