As the 2024 presidential election approaches, San Joaquin County in California will be the only county in the state monitored by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Election Day. This monitoring is part of a nationwide effort that will cover 27 states and 86 jurisdictions, aimed at ensuring compliance with federal voting rights laws [d0107fb1].
The DOJ's civil rights division will oversee the election process in San Joaquin County, marking the first time in about 20 years that the county has been under federal scrutiny during an election. Olivia Hale, from the registrar of voters, expressed that this monitoring presents a valuable opportunity for checks and balances within the electoral process [d0107fb1].
In contrast, states like Texas and Florida have recently announced that they will not allow federal monitors inside polling places, citing state laws. Texas officials informed the DOJ that federal inspectors are prohibited from entering polling locations, while Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd echoed this sentiment, stating that federal monitors would only be allowed outside polling places [241c43b7][865f887f].
The DOJ's decision to monitor San Joaquin County comes after previous monitoring efforts in larger counties like Los Angeles and Orange during the 2020 elections. This year's monitoring aims to address concerns about voter suppression and intimidation, particularly in areas where such issues have been reported [d0107fb1].
As Election Day approaches, the contrasting approaches of different states highlight the ongoing national debate over election integrity and the role of federal oversight. While some states resist federal involvement, others welcome it as a necessary measure to ensure fair elections [241c43b7].