The U.S. Department of Justice will send federal monitors to observe polling in South Portland during Tuesday’s midterm election, in addition to Portland and Lewiston.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said a total of three municipalities have been notified by the Justice Department about its plans to send federal election observers next week.
The monitors are expected to rotate at each of the municipality’s polling places throughout the day.
Bellows said the department has been sending election monitors for decades, and federal observers were in Maine for the 2024 congressional races.
“Any monitors are subject to the same laws and rules as any other observer at the poll, they can observe what’s taking place, but they may not interact with voters, handle ballots or equipment or disrupt voting in any way,” Bellows said in a statement. “We will monitor their activities to ensure that they follow state and federal law and that every voter is able to cast their ballot free from interference or intimidation.”
Thursday was the last day for early voting in Maine.
This story appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.