The U.S. Department of Justice has confirmed that it plans to send federal election monitors to Detroit, East Lansing, and Lansing during Michigan’s August 4 Primary Election.

Federal election monitors are not unusual. The Department of Justice regularly sends staff to observe elections in Michigan and other states, often to monitor compliance with federal voting rights and civil rights laws.

What is unusual in this case is that the DOJ’s letters included allegations about election administration in the three cities and requests for election-related materials.

According to state officials and news reports, the DOJ alleged problems involving long lines, provisional ballots, and voter-accessible terminals during the 2024 General Election. In Lansing, the department also requested precinct lists and official training materials. Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope disputed the allegations concerning his city.

What federal election monitors can and cannot do

Federal election monitors are generally Department of Justice employees who are expected to observe elections in a nonpartisan manner.

Their presence does not give the federal government control over Michigan elections. Local clerks and election workers will continue administering the August 4 Primary under Michigan law.

Federal election monitors must follow Michigan’s local, county, and state election laws. The federal monitoring and observer programs do not give DOJ personnel the authority to interfere with election administration, demand documents, handle voting equipment, or take control of election materials.

How Michigan officials responded

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson rejected the DOJ’s allegations and emphasized that federal monitors must follow the law.

Nessel said:

“The courts have been clear time and time again: states run elections, not the federal government. Make no mistake, my office stands ready to hold accountable those who attempt to unlawfully interfere with or intimidate Michigan election workers.”

Benson said:

“Michigan’s elections are transparent, accurate, accessible, and secure. And while the U.S. Department of Justice continues to pursue baseless allegations to confuse voters about those facts, we welcome anyone who wants to, in compliance with the law, observe Michigan’s elections process. We will continue to make sure every eligible Michigan citizen can cast their ballot with confidence, free from interference and obstruction.”

This action follows other attempts by the Trump administration to spread false claims about Michigan’s elections, interfere with election administration, and influence public confidence in the outcome. VAAC stands with Michigan’s hard-working local clerks and election workers, who carry out the checks, procedures, and safeguards that help ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot and that every vote is counted.

What this means for Michigan voters

The presence of federal election monitors does not change who can vote, where people vote, how ballots are cast, or how votes are counted in Michigan.

Voters in Detroit, East Lansing, and Lansing should continue making their voting plans and following the same Michigan voting procedures that apply across the state.

Election Protection partners are training hotline volunteers and election challengers about the role and legal limits of federal monitors. They are also continuing to educate voters about their rights.

Federal monitors may observe election procedures in compliance with the law. They may not interfere with voters or election workers, handle voting machines or election materials, take over the administration of an election, or intimidate, obstruct, or disrupt voters.

Know your rights

Every eligible Michigan voter has the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation or interference.

For nonpartisan voting information and Election Protection resources, visit MichiganVoting.org.

VAAC will continue sharing clear information as the August 4 Primary approaches. The presence of federal monitors should not discourage anyone from voting.