DOJ election monitors expected outside Hennepin County polling places Tuesday

U.S. Department of Justice staff are expected to monitor polling places in Hennepin County on Tuesday, but they will not be allowed inside polling locations after the county denied the federal agency’s request for access.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said Monday that the DOJ requested permission last week to enter and monitor polling places during Minnesota’s Aug. 11 primary election. After consulting with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office and others, Hennepin County denied the request.

The DOJ has since agreed to abide by the county’s decision, according to the County Attorney’s Office. Instead, DOJ monitors will remain outside the 100-foot boundary around polling places required under Minnesota law. The monitors are expected to be DOJ staff wearing plainclothes and may approach voters as they leave polling places to request interviews. Participation in those interviews is voluntary, the County Attorney’s Office said.

The DOJ said it plans to focus its monitoring efforts on polling places in Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, though federal monitors could appear in other cities as well.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said her office is prepared to respond to reports of voter intimidation or harassment.

"Our office is fully prepared to protect and defend your right to vote," 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 also said it plans to observe the DOJ monitoring teams.

According to the County Attorney’s Office, election monitors and members of the public cannot interfere with a voter’s ability to enter a polling place, direct election judges to take action or interfere with the operation, administration or management of a polling location.

The DOJ’s presence comes as Minnesota voters prepare to decide which candidates will advance from Tuesday’s primary to the November general election. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters who are in line by 8 p.m. are allowed to cast their ballots.

Voters can check their polling place and review a sample ballot through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office.