NJ GOP demands federal monitors for Passaic County elections amid fraud concerns
TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Republican State Committee has formally requested that the U.S. Department of Justice deploy federal monitors to oversee the handling of vote-by-mail ballots in Passaic County ahead of the November 4 election.
In a letter sent Monday to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, party counsel Jason N. Sena accused local election officials of resisting transparency and called for immediate federal oversight.
The request follows a series of public disputes within the Passaic County Board of Elections over ballot security measures and vote-by-mail processing procedures.
Key Points
- NJ GOP asks DOJ to send federal monitors to Passaic County
- Letter cites history of ballot fraud and transparency disputes
- Republicans allege county officials blocked proposed security measures
Letter cites history of election fraud
Sena’s two-page letter, sent on behalf of the New Jersey Republican State Committee, asserts that Passaic County has a “long and sordid history” of vote-by-mail fraud. The request to the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division calls for federal observers to ensure proper handling of ballots and to “secure the integrity of the voting process.”
The document references several prior indictments involving Passaic County residents and officials accused of ballot fraud, noting that the state Attorney General’s Office has struggled to enforce voter integrity laws.
The letter also criticizes Passaic County Board of Elections Chairman John Currie, who also serves as the county’s Democratic Party chair, for allegedly opposing transparency measures such as video surveillance and access logs at ballot processing sites.
Transparency disputes deepen
During an October 17 meeting, Republican members of the Passaic County Board reportedly proposed adding cameras and sign-in requirements for ballot storage and counting areas. According to the letter, Currie and a Democratic colleague voted against the proposals, deadlocking the board and halting implementation.
The dispute has renewed tensions between the parties over election oversight, with Republicans arguing that safeguards are necessary to prevent fraud and ensure public confidence in the outcome.
NJGOP urges voters to act
In a statement posted on social media, the New Jersey GOP said, “Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy, and in Passaic County, that principle is once again being put to the test.” The party vowed to work with the national GOP and its Election Integrity Team to ensure “every legal vote is counted.”
The message encouraged voters to participate in early in-person voting, which begins October 25, and to remain vigilant as election day approaches.
Federal officials have not yet commented on whether the Department of Justice plans to send monitors to Passaic County.
