STATEMENT BY MAYOR ELICKER ON U.S. DOJ’S INTENT TO SEND ELECTION MONITORS TO NEW HAVEN ON ELECTION DAY

[NEW HAVEN, CT] - Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice informed the City of New Haven that it intends to send election monitors from its Civil Rights Division on Election Day, November 3, 2026 with the stated purpose of observing the election and monitoring for compliance with the federal voting rights statutes that fall within the jurisdiction of the Civil Rights Division.

The DOJ's correspondence indicated that their election monitors will only observe and will not intrude or interfere in the voting process. The city was subsequently advised by the Connecticut Secretary of State's office that the DOJ plans to send two teams of two people, focusing on polling locations subject to the Federal Voting Rights Act mandatory language-assistance requirement, which under federal law includes all of New Haven. In addition, the monitors will focus on ensuring voters have received proper assistance with voting and that the exterior area of polling locations are accessible to individuals with disabilities. DOJ also indicated that none of the monitors will have powers of arrest, detention, search or seizure and they will remain outside the 75-foot zone established by state law.

In response, yesterday, Democratic Registrar of Voters Shannel Evans and Republican Registrar of Voters Lisa Milone sent a joint letter to U.S. DOJ officials informing them that while the DOJ has a long history of conducting election monitoring in our nation, given the current climate, rhetoric and federal actions that appear to be intended to cast doubt on election integrity and to intimidate voters, the presence of election monitors at polling places in New Haven could make the city's polling places feel less accessible to all and, pursuant to Section 9-236 of the Connecticut General Statutes, federal election monitors may not enter any polling places in New Haven.

Registrar Evans and Registrar Milone stated the following in their joint letter:

"New Haven takes elections very seriously. We work hard to comply with all state and federal laws to ensure that every United States citizen who is eligible can exercise their right to vote. Our election workers are dedicated to ensuring a safe, fair election."

Mayor Justin Elicker also issued the following statement:

"The right to vote is the most precious right we have in our democracy. Our city, Democrat Registrar of Voters and Republican Registrar of Voters are united in ensuring every eligible New Haven voter can cast their ballot freely, safely, securely and without fear of intimidation or interference.

Thousands of New Haveners have already cast their ballot in this year's election, and voters should continue to feel comfortable and confident going to the polls.

Voters can still vote early on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm at both New Haven City Hall and Southern Connecticut State University, or on Election Day from 6 am to 8 pm at their local poll site.

Given President Trump's repeated attempts to undermine and cast doubt on free and fair elections across the nation and given the politicization of the Department of Justice under the Trump Administration, we believe posting federal election monitors at polling places would be counterproductive and make our polling places feel less accessible.

Connecticut has very clear laws and restrictions that govern poll watcher activity at voting sites. Our Registrars will be reminding and providing guidance to the city's poll site moderators of these laws and will work to ensure they are followed.

This is an important election, and I urge all New Haven voters to cast their ballot and make their voice heard. New Haven elections and Connecticut elections are free, fair, safe and secure."

Anyone noticing any suspected voting irregularities or problems at the polls should call the State Elections Enforcement Commission at 1-866-SEEC-INFO or email at [email protected] during all hours that the polls are open on Election Day. People may also contact the Office of the Registrar of Voters in New Haven at 203-946-8035.

Voters are also reminded that if approached by any individual outside their polling location, while they may answer questions, they are not obligated to do so, nor are they required to show any ID.

City officials have also informed the offices of the Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong regarding these actions.

Registrar Evans' and Registrar Milone's full letter can be read here.

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Press Contact:

Lenny Speiller | (203) 725-4249; [email protected]