DOJ poll observers barred from Twin Cities polling sites; Secretary Simon details state-run monitoring plan
On Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, Department of Justice observers were denied entry to polling sites in Hennepin and Ramsey counties in the Twin Cities, prompting state officials to outline an alternate monitoring plan.[1]
Secretary of State Steve Simon said state observers will accompany DOJ teams outside the 100-foot buffer at polling places when inside access is not granted.[2] Simon also cited Minnesota law that limits non-local observers from entering polling places.[2] He emphasized that DOJ monitors language access, disability access and overall compliance, and he warned against actions that could look like voter intimidation.[2]
Hennepin and Ramsey officials had denied DOJ requests for inside access to Twin Cities polling sites, setting up the need for Simon's public clarification.[1] The state plan allows federal teams to observe from outside the buffer while keeping ballot handling and in-place operations under local control.[2]
Show source details & analysis (2 sources)
📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon publicly explained how DOJ monitoring will proceed after Hennepin and Ramsey counties denied DOJ requests for inside access.
- Hennepin and Ramsey counties denied DOJ requests for inside access to Twin Cities polling sites, prompting state-level clarification of monitoring plans.
- Simon said state observers will accompany DOJ teams outside the 100-foot buffer at polling places when inside access is not granted.
- He clarified the legal basis under Minnesota law for limiting non-local observers from entering polling places.
- Simon addressed concerns about voter intimidation and emphasized that the DOJ’s role is confined to monitoring language access, disability access and compliance — not handling ballots.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Secretary of State Steve Simon publicly explains how DOJ monitoring will proceed given that Hennepin and Ramsey counties denied DOJ requests for inside access.
- Simon clarifies the legal basis under Minnesota law for limiting non-local observers inside polling places and describes how state observers will accompany DOJ teams outside the 100-foot buffer.
- He addresses concerns about voter intimidation and emphasizes that DOJ’s role is confined to monitoring language access, disability access, and compliance—not ballot handling.