U.S. Department of Justice monitors will not enter voting centers in Adams County on Election Day. The department rejected conditions set by the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.
Secretary of State Jena Griswold told the Justice Department on Thursday morning that its representatives could enter the facilities only if accompanied at all times by observers designated by the state. They would have to stay in designated areas and take notes from there. They could speak only with the head official of a given center, and only about equipment for people with disabilities and bilingual support staff.
Monitors were also barred from speaking with voters, accessing voting equipment, leaving their designated spots, and taking photos or making video or audio recordings.
The Justice Department responded that it refuses. “Our monitors will remain outside polling places and will not come within 100 feet of the buildings, in accordance with Colorado state law,” the department wrote. 100 feet is about 30 meters.
Griswold said her office would take any signs of voter intimidation seriously. She noted that intimidating voters or obstructing their ability to vote outside voting centers is illegal, including for the Justice Department.
The department requested permission to observe voting in Adams County on Oct. 20. It said the monitoring is meant to check compliance with federal election law. Some election officials in Colorado have expressed concerns about possible voter intimidation. On Oct. 9, Griswold amended the state’s election rules to require state approval before official observers can enter voting centers.
Adams County’s elections chief, Josh Zygielbaum, assured on Thursday that staff would be ready to help voters on Election Day. “Adams County is committed to making sure every eligible voter’s voice is heard,” he said.
Source: Denver Post, CPR News, Colorado Sun
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