Missouri officials have accused the federal government of unlawfully meddling in the state’s elections. A federal judge denied Missouri officials’ attempt to prevent U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) poll monitors on November 4. U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk rejected the motion for a temporary restraining order, stating that the state had not justified the need for extraordinary relief.
Missouri’s secretary of state and attorney general filed a lawsuit to stop the DOJ from sending personnel to monitor polling places. They argued that without immediate action, the DOJ would unlawfully enter Missouri polling locations on Election Day. However, DOJ officials disagreed, citing a settlement that allows monitoring on Election Day.
The judge emphasized the importance of ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act through monitoring at polling places. While Missouri’s concerns about enforcing its election laws are valid, the federal interests in upholding the Americans with Disabilities Act must also be considered.
This situation contrasts with a previous incident in 2022 when the DOJ planned to monitor polls in a different Missouri County but retracted the decision following objections from Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.
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