The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Tuesday, August 4, that election monitors dispatched by the department were working at polling stations in four cities in Michigan during the state’s primary elections for the 2026 midterm elections. The aim is to ensure transparency, security, and compliance with federal laws in the voting processes in these areas.
According to a press release issued by the Department of Justice on Tuesday, the Civil Rights Division of the department is enforcing federal voting rights laws to protect the rights of all eligible citizens to vote. The department regularly deploys staff to election sites nationwide to oversee compliance with federal civil rights laws.
Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Harmeet K. Dhillon, stated in the press release, “Today, we continue our primary election monitoring efforts as we strive to ensure that elections across the country are free and fair. The Department of Justice is dedicating significant resources to ensure uniform and non-discriminatory oversight. We are very grateful for the cooperation these jurisdictions have provided in enhancing trust and transparency.”
Timothy VerHey, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, mentioned, “Transparency in election management not only enhances trust but also promotes better behavior. Our office is always ready to take a leadership role in promoting free and fair elections.”
The press release announced that the Department of Justice is currently conducting oversight activities at polling stations in four cities: Detroit, Hamtramck, Lansing, and East Lansing. Personnel involved include staff from the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division and staff from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan.
The Department of Justice stated that this initiative aims to enhance election transparency and facilitate open communication between poll watchers and election monitors.
Furthermore, from now until Election Day on November 3, 2026, staff from the Civil Rights Division are available to address questions and complaints from the public regarding potential violations of federal voting rights laws. If you wish for the Department of Justice to conduct election monitoring in a specific jurisdiction, please contact the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division at VEM@usdoj.gov. The Civil Rights Division will determine whether authorization for monitoring will be granted.