Arizona Primary Elections: Why the DoJ is keeping a close eye on proceedings

Phoenix, Arizona: The Justice Department announced on Monday that it would be monitoring Arizona's July 30 primary to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws in Maricopa County.

The monitoring by the Justice Department will involve deploying federal observers to oversee polling places and election officials' activities. This presence aims to deter and address any potential violations of voting rights laws, such as voter intimidation or unequal treatment based on race, language, or disability.

The federal oversight is part of the Justice Department's broader initiative to uphold the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and other federal statutes designed to protect citizens' voting rights. 

The DOJ regularly sends staff and federal observers to various communities nationwide to monitor adherence to federal civil rights laws. These staff members work with U.S. Attorneys' Offices to enforce the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect voting rights.

“The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot,” the department stated in a press release.

This monitoring effort is particularly significant in light of recent changes in Arizona's voting laws and the heightened scrutiny of election practices nationwide. The Justice Department's involvement serves as a reminder of the ongoing federal commitment to protecting the fundamental democratic right to vote and maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.