NJ, Fed watchdogs to work polling places

Safeguards will be in place at New Jersey voting locations at both the state and federal levels on Tuesday.

Over a hundred deputy state Attorneys General -- 170, at last count -- are being deployed across New Jersey's 21 counties from opening to closing time at the polls.

"They're going to be physically stationed at certain polling places, and other deputies are going to rove throughout the county," said Lee Vartan, state executive assistant Attorney General.

Vartan said the deputies will assure the integrity of the vote. They will also assist voters who may show up with questionable eligibility, so that "if you are showing up at a polling place and you have the right to be there and the right to vote, that you are afforded that opportunity."

Along with scrutinizing the process for fraud or procedural missteps, Vartan said the deputies will also clarify points of voting law, if necessary. He cited the example of handicapped persons who arrive to vote with another person to enter the voting booth with them, to assist if they are blind or otherwise impaired. State law, according to Vartan, provides for that assistance.

He also said it is illegal for anyone to engage in electioneering within 100 feet of any New Jersey polling place, and these representatives will ensure that law is enforced.

In addition, the federal Justice Department will monitor selected polling places in Bergen County. New Jersey is one of 18 states where federal watchdogs will be in place Tuesday.

While elections at the local level remain the responsibility of local and state officials, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division is charged with enforcing federal voting rights laws that protect citizens.

There are some contact numbers available for voters who may feel their rights have been unfairly challenged or denied. New Jersey's hotline number is 1-877-NJVOTER. The toll-free number for the federal Justice Department is 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767. Voter complaints may also be emailed to voting.section@usdoj.gov. You can also visit NJElections.org.