Florida Sending Monitors to Watch DOJ Personnel Who Enter Polling Places: ‘Counterproductive and Could Potentially Undermine’
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – In response to the U.S. Department of Justice iterating they will send election monitors inside polling places in some Florida counties, the DeSantis Administration responded by explaining under Florida law, DOJ personnel are not listed as included personnel.
“Earlier today, the Florida Department of State received copies of your letters to Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in which you seem to indicate that the Department of Justice will send monitors inside polling places in these counties. We also understand you sent a similar letter to Palm Beach County,” the Florida Department of State said.
They cite Florida law section 102.031(3)(a)6, and declared the presence of federal law enforcement inside polling places would be “counterproductive and could potentially undermine confidence in the election.”
Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County were included in the DOJ’s initial letter declaring intentions to send personnel. “Monitors will include personnel from the Civil Rights Division and from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. In addition, the division also deploys monitors from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order. Division personnel will also maintain contact with state and local election officials.”
“The Justice Department announced today its plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in 64 jurisdictions in 24 states for the Nov. 8, 2022 general election,” the DOJ said Monday.
“Indeed, your letters do not detail the need for federal monitors in these counties […] None of the counties have been accused of violating the rights of language or racial minorities or of the elderly or disabled.”
The DeSantis Administration said they will send their own election monitors to the three “targeted jurisdictions” to monitor the federal agents: “These monitors will ensure that there is no interference with the voting process.”
“You have my cell phone number. Please let me know how best to coordinate with your team as Florida works towards another smooth election day,” finished Brad McVay, the General Counsel to the Florida Department of State.
Read the full letter here.
At the time of reporting, election day voting is underway and Floridians are casting their ballots to elect their respective officials. Check here for results as they come.
