Lawmakers clarify rules for DOJ election monitors ahead of midterms
TULSA, Okla. ( KFOR ) — After the recent announcement that federal election monitors will be at polling places across three Oklahoma counties, some lawmakers are emphasizing exactly what these monitors are allowed to do under state law.
"The fact that the feds feel like they need to send someone here, you know, it's hard to find a reason. I don't think there is any good reason," Alicia Andrews, the Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus.
According to a spokesperson with the U.S. Department of Justice, Oklahoma isn't the only state where monitors will be.
State elections on November 3rd set to be monitored by the DOJ, Election officials say
We will be in all 50 states, including Oklahoma, doing the routine election monitoring the department has done for decades.
We will have around 1,000 monitors in counties throughout the United States, but we will not share the full list until Election Day. Every monitor will merely observe and report any potential violations of federal law to the Department, which will be reviewed after Election Day.
All monitors must meet the same legal and ethical requirements, including that they not interfere with the voting process. Every monitor has the same role: observe for potential violations of federal law and report concerns to the Department, which the Department will review after Election Day and act where appropriate.
State Senator Regina Goodwin (D-Tulsa) says, "Typically they are here to help; they are here to help correct a situation that has been reported. Again, the secretaries for the election board did not ask that."
Former Assistant State Attorney General Tim Gilpin says the federal government's decision to send monitors is concerning.
"This is the first time in American history that these laws are being used to potentially limit or suppress or intimidate people," Gilpin said.
Gilpin says according to state laws, the monitors are required to stay outside the polling place, and they can't interfere with voters or ask them for ID.
"If the voter is willing, they can interview them as they leave the polling place, but there is no obligation for the voter to stop and talk to them," Gilpin explained. "If a voter sees a problem or feels intimidated or think something is going wrong, they need to go back in their polling place and tell the poll workers; that is their job. If that doesn't satisfy the voter, they should call their county election headquarters."
Andrews, Goodwin, and Gilpin all agree that despite the election monitors being present, it shouldn't deter voters from casting their ballots.
"Everyone should vote. Do not be intimidated," Andrews said.
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