The Trump monarchy said yesterday that the Justice Department will monitor polling sites in California and New Jersey ahead of the Nov. 4 election, after requests by Republican Party officials in those states. It’s a blunt instrument meant to suppress turnout for Prop 50, which would allow Gov. Newsom to balance the Texas redistricting for more red seats with California blue. Via the New York Times:
Although election monitoring by the Justice Department is not uncommon, it will likely heighten tensions as voters weigh in on some of the nationâs most closely watched races. President Trump has pushed the Justice Department to pursue parts of his agenda, including going after his political enemies, which has eroded its traditional independence. Mr. Trump also blamed his 2020 election loss on rigged voting, although there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud.
Voter fraud is exceedingly rare, but Mr. Trump and other Republicans have since claimed it is rampant, particularly voting by mail, which is how most Californians vote. Democrats have called the argument a ruse for voter suppression.
âThis administration has made no secret of its goal to undermine free and fair elections,â Brandon Richards, a spokesman for Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, said in a statement. âDeploying these federal forces appears to be an intimidation tactic meant for one thing: suppress the vote.â
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