(The Federalist) Florida and Missouri refused requests from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to place federal election monitors inside polling locations during the 2022 elections, arguing doing so would be tantamount to federal voter intimidation. The Federalist inquired with other Republican-led states whether they would take a similar stance should the DOJ make the same requests — but not all appeared willing to stand up to Biden’s weaponized agency.
The DOJ announced in 2022 it would send election monitors to 64 jurisdictions across the nation to monitor alleged voter intimidation and threats. Several Florida counties were included in the DOJ’s list, but Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis refused DOJ election monitors to enter polling sites in South Florida, arguing DOJ’s involvement would be “counterproductive” and “potentially undermine confidence in the election.”
“Florida statutes list the people who ‘may enter any polling room or polling place,’” Chief Counsel for the Florida Department of State Brad McVay wrote in a letter. The Department of State is overseen by DeSantis. “Department of Justice personnel are not included on the list.”
The DOJ “couldn’t provide a reason to be [at the polling places], nor any statutory authority for them to be there,” Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd stated in a letter, according to Politico.
Missouri took a similar stance in 2022, arguing the DOJ’s presence was akin to bullyinglocal election authorities. State authorities suggested the DOJ should instead contact the secretary of state’s office to discuss any election issues.
Ahead of November, The Federalist inquired with states that have a Republican governor whether they would take a similar stance should the DOJ request to place poll monitors in election sites.
DeSantis Press Secretary Jeremy Redfern confirmed to The Federalist that Florida’s policy has not changed: “Florida statutes on this matter have not changed, and DOJ personnel are not included on the list of ‘who may enter any polling room or polling place.”
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen told The Federalist DOJ election monitors are not included in state laws’ “exhaustive list of the persons who are allowed within 30 feet of a polling precinct.”
“As such, they will not be permitted to enter polling locations in Alabama,” Allen told The Federalist. “The United States Constitution delegates to the states the roles and responsibilities surrounding election administration. This office and our local election officials are well equipped to ensure that Alabama elections are fair, secure, and transparent without unconstitutional supervision by the federal government.”
Communications Director Alexa Henning for Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders told The Federalist that “Governor Sanders will not permit the Biden DOJ to improperly intimidate or unduly influence Arkansans inside our state’s polling locations.”
