Wyoming Governor Criticizes DOJ Election Monitoring During Primary

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon expressed concerns regarding the actions of Department of Justice (DOJ) election monitors during the recent primary election in Cheyenne. He stated that at least two monitors allegedly attempted to interview voters and access voting machines, which he claims violated Wyoming law. Gordon remarked, "I feel very strongly about the federal government coming in and taking our votes, either." Local election officials denied the monitors' requests. The DOJ has not refuted the allegations regarding the monitors' actions. Historically, DOJ monitors have played a role in protecting voting rights, particularly for Black Americans, but the current administration's approach has raised concerns about federal involvement in state elections. According to a summary from the Campaign Legal Center, the DOJ's deployment of monitors lacked proper notification to state and local officials. Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee indicated she had no prior notice of the monitors' presence and suggested that the decision to send them was made on short notice. The monitors reportedly requested information about poll worker training and sought to examine election equipment, actions that may exceed their authority. Governor Gordon has requested an investigation from the state attorney general, describing the monitors' behavior as "a bit aggressive" and irregular. The situation has raised questions about the appropriateness of federal monitoring in state-run elections.