Federal Monitors Camp Outside Adams County Polls

Federal election monitors are positioned outside voting facilities in Adams County as Election Day approaches. The United States Department of Justice and the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office have clashed over the rules governing these observers. The dispute has raised questions about the role of federal agencies in the state’s upcoming midterms.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division contacted Secretary of State Jenna Griswold and Adams County Clerk Josh Zygielbaum on October 20. They requested a meeting regarding the deployment of monitors. Griswold replied on October 22 that monitors could not enter polling locations without direct authorization from her office. She asked for details on the monitors' purpose to make a final decision.

Jake Bachand, a trial attorney for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, stated the monitors would visit 12 to 16 polling places. He said they would speak with officials about accessible voting machines and bilingual poll workers. The monitors would not wear suits or display credentials. They would not do anything to indicate to the public that they were from the Department of Justice.

On October 29, the Secretary of State’s Office sent a counter-proposal. It allowed monitors to enter only if accompanied by a state-appointed observer. The monitors had to stand in a designated section, avoid talking to voters, and communicate only with a lead official. The Justice Department declined the offer on the same day. They stated their monitors would remain outside the polling places and not come within 100 feet of the building.

The department cited Colorado state law for this decision. Kiersten Pels, a spokesperson for the Justice Department, explained that Adams County was selected because it is covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act for Spanish language assistance. Pels noted that the department is not sending federal law enforcement to the polls despite recent claims.

The choice of Adams County coincides with a tight race in District 8. Republican incumbent Evans won the seat in 2024 by 0.8 percent. His Democratic challenger, Rutinel, has a strong chance of flipping the seat. Adams County is the most Democratic-leaning area in that district. The Justice Department is also sending monitors to six counties in Georgia, two in Indiana, and two in Virginia.

State election leaders are cautious about potential interference. Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, said the organization is prepared for anything. He noted that his staff are focused on ensuring voters can vote through 7 p.m. on election night and that votes are counted accurately.

Aly Belknap, executive director of Colorado Common Cause, said the Justice Department’s rejection of the state’s offer suggests a desire to block eligible voters. She stated that the department wants to hold onto power rather than serve as neutral observers.

Voters do not have to answer questions from monitors on Election Day. If a voter is in line, they must be able to cast a ballot. Anyone trying to intimidate voters should be reported to the nearest polling official. Voters should write down agency markings, times, and witness names if possible. No armed officers should be at the polls under federal law dating back to 1865.

Just Vote Colorado’s nonpartisan volunteer poll monitors will be outside all Adams County polling places. They will wear yellow shirts and hand out information on voting rights. They will also report any problems that arise during the voting process.