DOJ Monitors Barred Inside Hennepin Polling Places

Hennepin County denied a request from the U.S. Department of Justice to place staff inside polling locations for the Nov. 3 general election.

The county attorney’s office reached this decision after consulting with the Minnesota Secretary of State and other local officials. The denial mirrors the outcome of the Aug. 11 primary election. While the federal monitors are barred from entering the buildings, Minnesota law allows them to remain outside the 100-foot boundary surrounding each site.

County officials expect the federal presence to consist of DOJ staff in plainclothes. These monitors are permitted to attempt interviews with voters after they exit the polling place. Participation in any such interaction is entirely voluntary for the voter.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated that her office is committed to ensuring free, safe, and fair elections. She added that any reports of potentially unlawful behavior directed at voters or election workers will be reviewed. If appropriate, her office will pursue prosecution.

State law prohibits federal election monitors and other members of the public from interfering with a voter’s ability to enter a polling place. They also cannot disrupt polling place operations or activities. The Secretary of State’s Office advises anyone who believes they witnessed election misconduct, discrimination, or voter intimidation to file a complaint with their county attorney’s office.

Voters can report issues or ask questions by calling 1-877-600-VOTE or emailing secretary.state@state.mn.us. The Minnesota general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.