Hennepin County blocks DOJ monitors from inside voting sites

Hennepin County denied the Department of Justice a request to place federal election monitors inside polling places for the Nov. 3 general election.

The denial follows a request similar to one made for the Aug. 11 primary election. After consulting with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office and other legal advisors, the office of County Attorney Mary Moriarty issued a statement rejecting the access. County officials stated that while the monitors cannot enter the buildings, they may remain within the 100-foot boundary established by Minnesota state law. These observers are expected to be DOJ staff members dressed in plainclothes.

The department previously sought this access during the summer primary, where a similar procedure was followed. Now, as the general election approaches, local officials have clarified the boundaries of federal oversight. The county attorney’s office emphasized that its decision is part of a broader effort to manage the election day environment. The presence of monitors outside the line is permitted, provided they do not cross into the designated voting zone.

Federal officials are expected to observe voters as they enter and exit the polling places. They may also attempt to interview voters after they leave the site. Participation in these interactions is entirely voluntary for the voter. Minnesota law prohibits federal monitors and other members of the public from interfering with a voter’s ability to enter a polling place or disrupting polling place operations. If a monitor crosses the 100-foot line or hinders voting activities, county officials say the behavior will be reviewed.

Mary Moriarty, the Hennepin County Attorney, 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 and, if appropriate, prosecuted. The statement was released by her office to inform the public of the rules in place for the upcoming vote.

The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office advises residents to file complaints if they believe there was election misconduct, discrimination, or voter intimidation. Individuals can contact their county attorney’s office to report irregularities. Voters with questions can also reach the Secretary of State’s Office by calling 1-877-600-VOTE (8683) or by emailing secretary.state@state.mn.us. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.