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Last week, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) requested that Hennepin County approve DOJ staff to access and monitor polling places for the primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 11. The request was made to Hennepin County.
After consultation with our office, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, and others, Hennepin County denied the request.
DOJ has since committed to abide by the County’s decision. DOJ monitors will not be permitted inside polling places but instead will remain outside a100-foot boundary from the polling locations, in compliance with Minnesota law.
DOJ monitors are expected to be DOJ staff in plainclothes and may attempt to interview voters as they leave the polling place. Participation in these interviews is entirely voluntary.
The DOJ expressed intent to focus on Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, and Brooklyn Center, but may monitor polling places in other cities.
"What To Know" about DOJ election monitors
“Our office is fully prepared to protect and defend your right to vote,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “Any reports of threats, harassment, or intimidation directed at voters or election workers will be reviewed and, if appropriate, prosecuted.”
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office has stated plans to observe the DOJ monitoring teams.
Election monitors and other members of the public may NOT:
- Interfere with a voter’s ability to enter the polling place
- Direct or order Election Judges to take any action
- Interfere with the operations, administration, management, or activities of a polling place.
View additional Election Day resources here.
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Look for more news on the Hennepin County Attorney's Office website.
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