DOJ Election Monitors to Observe Voting Operations in King County

Federal Election Monitors to Observe Ballot Process in King County

The U.S. Department of Justice is sending federal election monitors to King County ahead of Washington’s November 3, 2026, general election. The observers are expected to watch election operations, including ballot processing and activity at voting centers and ballot drop boxes.

According to King County Elections, the federal team will include eight monitors. They are interested in observing ballot counting, vote centers and some of the county’s 101 ballot drop boxes.

County Elections Director Julie Wise said the federal observers will have the same level of access as members of the public — no additional access or special privileges.

The Justice Department says its monitors are intended to observe and identify potential violations of federal election law. The agency has described the effort as part of its work to ensure compliance with voting rights and disability-access requirements.

Washington election officials have emphasized that all observers must follow state rules. They cannot handle ballots, touch voting equipment or interfere with the election process. County election officials have the authority to remove observers who violate those requirements.

The federal deployment is notable for King County. According to local election officials, the county has not hosted Justice Department monitors since the 2008 presidential election.

The federal observers are arriving as Washington prepares for Election Day and as election security receives additional attention across the state. Separately, Gov. Bob Ferguson has authorized unarmed, plainclothes National Guard members to provide additional observation and security support at ballot drop boxes in several counties, including King County. The Guard members and federal monitors have separate assignments.

King County officials say the presence of observers does not change how residents vote or how ballots are processed. Voters will continue to use the established mail-in voting system, official drop boxes and designated in-person voting services.