Federal election monitors will be deployed to Prince George’s County, Maryland, for the Nov. 3 general election to observe compliance with federal voting rights protections, according to the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE).
The monitors are being sent by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to observe whether polling places comply with protections under the federal Voting Rights Act. State election officials said the deployment is intended to monitor compliance, not interfere with the voting process.
According to the SBE, the DOJ notified Maryland that federal monitors would be sent to Prince George’s County for Election Day.
Federal Monitors to Focus on Minority Language Protections
The monitors will specifically observe compliance with the minority language provisions of the Voting Rights Act, the SBE said.
These provisions require certain state and local election agencies to provide election-related materials in the language of applicable minority groups as well as in English. Covered materials can include voter registration and voting notices, forms, instructions, ballots and other information related to the electoral process.
The U.S. Department of Justice provides additional information about these requirements on its minority language voting rights webpage.
Rules for Federal Election Monitors
The Maryland State Board of Elections said federal monitors will observe polling places from designated viewing areas and take notes during their visits.
The monitors will not wear Department of Justice identifiers, such as clothing or badges, according to the state board.
Maryland law prohibits election monitors from intimidating voters or communicating with them at polling places, the SBE said.
Maryland Election Officials Emphasize Voter Protections
Jared DeMarinis, Maryland’s State Administrator of Elections, emphasized voters’ right to cast ballots in a safe environment without intimidation or harassment.
“Every voter has the right to have their vote counted and their voice heard in a safe environment free from intimidation, harassment or threats,” DeMarinis said. He also praised the work of election administrators across the state.
DeMarinis said Maryland’s election process, administered by state and local election boards, is “verified, open, transparent, and secure.”
Maryland voters can also review information about requesting a mail-in ballot through CBS News Baltimore’s guide to Maryland mail-in voting.
For additional election information, readers can consult the Maryland State Board of Elections and the U.S. Department of Justice’s voting rights resources.
