Read, Watch or Listen

The Justice Department said it will send federal election observers to Passaic County, N.J., and five California counties—Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Riverside and Fresno—during closely watched Nov. 4 contests. Citing transparency and ballot security, Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced the plan after Republican parties in both states requested monitoring. Democrats, including New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin and California party chair Rusty Hicks, condemned the move as inappropriate or intimidating, while local election officials said observers are routine and processes secure. The effort, overseen by Civil Rights chief Harmeet Dhillon, will coordinate with U.S. attorneys and local officials.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.