Democrat gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill has vowed to ensure that no voter intimidation takes place in New Jersey, directly addressing the Justice Department’s recent decision to assign federal election observers to the state. The DOJ announced that it would monitor polling sites in six jurisdictions ahead of the November 4, 2025, general election to uphold transparency, ballot security, and federal law compliance. This move comes in response to requests from Republican parties in both New Jersey and California, with the stated aim of fostering election integrity and public confidence in the voting process.
Sherrill, who is running in a closely contested race for the Democratic nomination, emphasized her commitment to open and fair elections while also criticizing the efforts of former President Donald Trump and his allies to undermine the electoral process. “We’re going to continue to do that and ensure that we don’t have any voter intimidation and any attempt to intimidate people from voting,” Sherrill said Saturday, reinforcing her campaign’s stance on maintaining election transparency.
Her campaign spokesperson, Carly Jones, added that the team supports the prosecution of individuals who violate election laws and emphasized the importance of having consistent rules for all voters. “Mikie fully supports the prosecution of bad actors who violate our election laws, and her Attorney General will move those prosecutions forward swiftly,” Jones stated, while also expressing concern about the potential for a ‘stop the steal’ strategy by Trump’s supporters if they lose the race.
The decision to send federal observers follows a broader trend of increased federal oversight in state elections, particularly in the wake of the 2020 presidential election. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, who has been vocal about the need for election integrity, stated that the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division enforces voting rights laws to protect all eligible voters. “The Department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities across the country,” the DOJ said, highlighting its commitment to maintaining election security.
With the 2025 gubernatorial race approaching, the involvement of federal agencies like the DOJ underscores the high stakes in New Jersey, a traditionally Democratic-leaning state that could become a key battleground for national political trends. As both parties prepare for the upcoming election, the role of federal monitors will be a critical aspect of the campaign strategy, shaping the discourse around election fairness and voter rights.