U.S. Department of Justice to monitor general election in 2 northeast Ohio counties

Observers will be in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties Tuesday

11/4/2013

CLEVELAND — Federal observers will monitor elections in two northeast Ohio counties to ensure there are no violations of the Voting Rights Act.

A statement from the U.S. Justice Department says observers will monitor polling places in Cuyahoga County and Lorain County on Tuesday based on court orders. The federal law prohibits discrimination in elections on the basis of race, color or membership in a minority language group.

The department uses observers to monitor elections across the country each year. It did not immediately provide details on the reason for the Ohio monitoring.

Federal officials say observers will watch and record activities during voting hours at polling locations in both counties. Attorneys with the department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort and stay in contact with local election officials.