Amidst Ongoing Litigation, NAACP Responds to the Department of Justice’s Admission of Election Monitor Specifics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 29, 2026

Contact: Chyna Fields, [email protected]

WASHINGTON - Yesterday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a declaration in the lawsuit NAACP v Dhillon, in which the NAACP is seeking records related to the DOJ's plans for over 1,000 "election monitors" under the Freedom of Information Act. In the declaration, the leader of the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division, Eric Neff, provided previously unannounced details of the DOJ's plan, while maintaining that this year's deployment will be no different than monitors at the polls in the past.

The DOJ confirmed that, in contrast to previous elections, personnel from law enforcement agencies will be part of the DOJ monitoring this Election Day. The declaration clarifies that these individuals will not be armed and will not be legally authorized to conduct arrests or act in a law enforcement capacity.

These statements come despite ongoing voter suppression tactics and lawsuits from the DOJ in states nationwide. The NAACP has been active litigators in numerous of these voting rights cases. Early last month, the head of DOJ's Civil Rights Division y announced the unprecedented deployment, which prompted the organization's investigation into the DOJ with an official FOIA request.

Kristen Clarke, NAACP General Counsel, shared the following response:

"We remain determined to pull back the veil on the DOJ's plans to deploy monitors. We will continue to work to ensure that all voters can cast ballots free from intimidation and harassment. We encourage everyone who is eligible - if they have not already done so - to cast their ballots before voting ends the night of November 3rd."

The NAACP reminds voters that they are under no obligation to talk to DOJ monitors if approached for questioning. The public can also access further informational resources about the monitors from the Campaign Legal Center.

On Tuesday, a federal judge ordered the Department of Justice to release some of the requested records in the NAACP's FOIA request. Yesterday's vague declaration was the DOJ's initial response. The federal judge further ordered on Thursday that the DOJ should use reasonable efforts to process and produce records on a rolling basis before the November 3, 2026 election.

The NAACP continues its fight to protect voters everywhere. We encourage voters to call 1-866-OUR-VOTE if you encounter any issues while voting.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.