DOJ to Monitor Minnesota’s Primary Election for Transparency and Compliance
(Washington, D.C. = Alex Walczak) The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on August 11 that it will conduct monitoring activities at polling sites in Minnesota for the upcoming 2026 primary election, aiming to ensure transparency, ballot security, and adherence to federal law.
The monitoring will take place in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, as part of the DOJ’s nationwide initiative to guarantee free and fair elections. Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, emphasized the importance of this effort, stating, “Minnesota is DOJ’s next stop on its nationwide effort to ensure free and fair elections. The DOJ is committed to nondiscriminatory monitoring throughout the primary and general election seasons.”
U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Daniel N. Rosen, echoed these sentiments, asserting that election monitoring is essential for maintaining public trust in the electoral process. “We are proud to partner with the Civil Rights Division in this effort,” he said.
The DOJ has a history of deploying staff to monitor compliance with federal civil rights laws during elections, having previously conducted similar activities in Minnesota during the 2020, 2022, and 2024 federal elections. This year, approximately 20 staff members from the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section and Minnesota’s U.S. Attorney’s Office will oversee polling in the two counties. Already, over 50 monitors have been deployed across seven counties this primary season.
This initiative aims to enhance transparency and facilitate communication between poll observers and election monitors. The Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division enforces various federal laws that protect voting rights, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Civil Rights Acts.
From now until the general election on November 3, personnel from the Civil Rights Division will be available to address questions and complaints related to federal voting rights laws. Voters can reach out via email at VEM@usdoj.gov for inquiries or to request election monitoring in specific areas. This monitoring activity is expected to be a significant milestone in ensuring that Minnesota residents experience fair and transparent elections.
