Republicans in both states have requested the Trump administration monitor for ‘irregularities’ despite Democratic outcry.
The United States Department of Justice is preparing to send federal election observers to California and New Jersey next month, targeting two Democratic strongholds holding off-year elections following requests from state Republican parties.
The Justice Department announced Friday that it is planning to monitor polling sites in Passaic County, New Jersey, and five counties in southern and central California: Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Riverside and Fresno.
The goal, according to the department, is “to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law”.
“Transparency at the polls translates into faith in the electoral process, and this Department of Justice is committed to upholding the highest standards of election integrity,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement to The Associated Press.
Election monitoring is a routine function of the Justice Department, but the focus on California and New Jersey comes as both states are set to hold closely watched elections with national consequences on November 4.
New Jersey has an open seat for governor that has attracted major spending b
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