Last week, the United States Department of Justice reportedly requested that Hennepin County approve DOJ staff to access and monitor polling places for the Aug. 11 primary election. The request was made to Hennepin County.
After consultation with the county attorney’s office, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, and others, Hennepin County denied the request.
The DOJ allegedly “expressed intent to focus on Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, and Brooklyn Center,” according to county attorney spokesperson Daniel Borgertpoepping. The 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 a 100-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.
“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.
The attorney’s office says residents should note election monitors and other members of the public may not:
Interfere with a voter’s ability to enter the polling placeDirect or order election judges to take any actionInterfere with the operations, administration, management or activities of a polling place