NJ Election Security Concerns Mount

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New Jersey Republicans are demanding federal election monitors after Passaic County’s Board of Elections blocked basic security measures like cameras and sign-in logs for ballot storage areas.

Story Highlights

DOJ reviewing Republican request for federal election monitors in Passaic County
County Board of Elections blocked security cameras in ballot storage areas
Republicans cite refusal to require sign-in logs for mail-in ballot access
Board consists of equal Democrat and Republican representation

Republicans Challenge Election Security Gaps

The New Jersey Republican State Committee formally requested Department of Justice intervention after Passaic County’s Board of Elections rejected fundamental security protocols. During an October 17 public meeting, the board blocked proposals for security cameras in ballot storage areas and refused to implement sign-in/sign-out logs for personnel accessing mail-in ballots. These basic transparency measures represent standard election security practices that should be non-controversial regardless of party affiliation.

New Jersey Republicans Request DOJ Send Election Monitors to Passaic County https://t.co/HHCuRZX90O via @epochtimes

— wisemom113 (@wisemom113) October 23, 2025

DOJ Confirms Review of Monitoring Request

Department of Justice spokesperson Gates McGavick confirmed the agency is actively reviewing the Republican request for federal election monitors. “The Justice Department is committed to upholding the integrity of our electoral system and is reviewing this request to ensure all elections remain free, fair, and transparent,” McGavick stated to The Epoch Times on October 22. This response indicates the federal government recognizes legitimate concerns about election security protocols in Passaic County.

Bipartisan Board Blocks Transparency Measures

The Passaic County Board of Elections operates with equal representation, consisting of two Democrats and two Republicans. Despite this balanced structure, the board unanimously rejected the proposed security enhancements during their October meeting. New Jersey GOP Chairman Glenn Paulsen publicized the board’s decision through social media, highlighting the concerning pattern of resistance to basic oversight measures that would strengthen public confidence in election integrity.

Federal Oversight Becomes Necessary

The Republican request for federal monitors represents a measured response to local election officials’ unwillingness to implement reasonable security protocols. Security cameras and access logs constitute minimal transparency requirements that protect both voters and election workers from potential misconduct allegations. When local boards refuse such elementary safeguards, federal oversight becomes the appropriate mechanism to ensure constitutional voting rights remain protected and electoral processes maintain public trust.