RANDOLPH CO., GA (WALB) -
Voters in Randolph county had a few extra eyes keeping tabs on everyone at the polling booths. Monitors with the Federal Department of Justice were on hand making sure everyone inside the precinct was following all of the rules.
Specifically, those monitors were in the room to make sure everyone at the polling place were complying with the Voter's Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in the election process.
And election officials say it's nothing new.
It's the first thing voters were greeted with when they walked in the courthouse to cast a vote. These two women are not local voting officials, they are monitors sent down by the Department of Justice to make sure everyone is complying with the rules specifically, the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It prohibits discrimination in the election process on the basis of race, color or membership in a minority language group.
"No we are not new, we are not new with DOJ," said Sandra Thompson, Randolph Co. Elections Supervisor.
But it's nothing new for Randolph County. Over the years, Election Supervisor Sandra Thompson says she's gotten used to seeing federal officials show up for elections.
"This is my seventh term as election official here..and about half of that time DOJ has been on site for voting in Randolph County," said Thompson.
DOJ officials would not say why they sent monitors to Randolph County, but Thompson says she has a few guesses as to what she thinks the reason may be.
"Perhaps when concerned citizens make calls or send emails it is the responsibility of them to investigate and I think that's why they may be here," said Thompson.
She thinks voters may have called in and made complaints to the department of justice rather than try to address any concerns locally.
"In any given election there are some issues regarding candidates regarding redistricting as we are undergoing now regarding candidate qualifications there have been numerous," said Frederick Allen, Voter.
Having monitors in the room, make some voters feel better.
"Some people may change things and it order to keep things in order you have to have someone to monitor," said Allen.
"I don't think they feel threatened because they are sincere about their vote and that ballot being cast," said Thompson.
The monitors will stay with elections officials the entire time
The Department of Justice also sent monitors to Washington County in Georgia as well.
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