Hennepin County bars DOJ from inside polling places
Hennepin County officials denied a U.S. Department of Justice request to allow federal election monitors inside polling places for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election in Minnesota.[1]
The county's refusal prevents DOJ staff from being inside voting rooms on election day.[1] Federal observers can still be positioned on public property outside polling sites, subject to state limits and local arrangements.[1]
Under Minnesota law, DOJ personnel may only remain outside the 100-foot boundary around polling places and cannot interfere with voters or poll operations. Voters who see election misconduct, discrimination, intimidation or irregularities can report them by calling 1-877-600-VOTE (8683) or emailing [email protected].
FOX 9's explainer for voters said federal monitors could still observe from public areas outside polling places and outlined what residents should know if they encounter observers at their site.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Hennepin County denied a DOJ request to allow federal election monitors inside polling places for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election.
- Under Minnesota law, DOJ personnel may only remain outside the 100‑foot boundary around polling places and cannot interfere with voters or poll operations.
- Voters can report election misconduct, discrimination, intimidation or irregularities by calling 1-877-600-VOTE (8683) or emailing [email protected].
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