NAACP, LDF, and Advancement Project’s Lawsuit Bars Justice Department from Deploying Federal Law Enforcement Agents to Polls on Election Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2026
Contact: communications@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – The NAACP, Advancement Project, and the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) filed an emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order in NAACP v Blanche to block federal law enforcement agents from serving as "election monitors." The action followed the release of details regarding the DOJ's election monitoring scheme, obtained by the NAACP through litigation under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Historically, law enforcement officers have been stationed at polling places in certain areas of the country so as to prevent Black citizens from voting. Consequently, their presence at the polls is still seen by many Black and other voters of color as an act of intimidation.
Overnight, following a hearing, a federal judge partially sided with the groups, requiring the Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure that no federal law enforcement officers with arresting authority will serve as election monitors at polling sites on Election Day. Following the hearing, the Court ordered the DOJ to conduct a review of staff to be deployed. Upon such review, the DOJ admitted that personnel scheduled to be at polling places included multiple sworn law enforcement agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Marshals Service.
"As a result of our litigation, voters across the country are able to cast their ballots free from intimidation today," said Kristen Clarke, General Counsel of the NAACP. "Federal agents are fully barred from serving as poll monitors. This is a victory for voters. We encourage voters to register their voices at the ballot box. There is little chance that voters will observe DOJ monitors in the few dozen places where they have been deployed. As always, report any issues or barriers to the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE."
The DOJ attempted to deploy agents from the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to serve as "poll monitors" at election locations across the country. All of these entities are law enforcement components that fall under the Department. The court's order required the DOJ to confirm that no federal law enforcement agents with the power to arrest people will serve as poll monitors.
"This is a major win for voters. Federal law enforcement agents have no place at the polls," said Carmen Daugherty, Executive Director of Advancement Project. "This decision protects our communities from the Department of Justice's efforts to intimidate Black, brown, and immigrant voters who just want to vote freely and safely. We urge our communities to cast our ballots. Advancement Project stands with you and will be observing at polls across the country to continue to protect voters."
"The Justice Department's attempt to stoke fear and intimidate Black voters and other voters of color by placing law enforcement officials at the polls has once again been thwarted by the hard work of civil rights plaintiffs," said Kathryn Sadasivan, Senior Counsel at the Legal Defense Fund. "Every voter not only deserves but is lawfully protected against such threats and intimidation and we are glad that our litigation forced the DOJ to take critical steps to provide Plaintiffs and voters across the country with assurances that no law enforcement officers will appear at the polls on Election Day."
As of today, over 58 million Americans have already voted in this election.
NAACP v. Blanche — which challenges the DOJ's 2026 plans to deploy 1,000 "election monitors" — is just one of the numerous major voting rights cases brought by the NAACP this cycle. The organization continues to fight to defend and strengthen the freedom to vote, helping ensure that all communities can fully participate in our democracy with confidence.
If voters encounter issues at the polls, they are encouraged to call 866-OUR-VOTE for immediate support or to file a report at NAACP.org/vote to notify election protection lawyers with the NAACP.
The NAACP's nationwide field operation is working around the clock to mobilize more than 6.5 million Black voters across battleground states. More than 52,000 volunteers with the NAACP are also knocking doors, making calls, and engaging with infrequent voters in their communities. To learn more, visit naacp.org.
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About the NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
About Advancement Project
Advancement Project is a next-generation, multi-racial civil rights organization. Rooted in the great human rights struggles for equality and justice, we exist to fulfill America's promise of a caring, inclusive and just democracy. We use innovative tools and strategies to strengthen social movements and achieve high impact policy change. We are a co-convener of the National Campaign for Police Free schools, a formation of 20+ youth-led grassroots organizations fighting to end the criminalization of youth in the classroom, create liberatory educational spaces, and implement an affirmative vision of safety and transformative justice. Visit www.advancementproject.org to learn more.
About LDF
Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation's first civil rights legal organization. LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957, though it was founded under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall while he was at the NAACP. LDF's Thurgood Marshall Institute (TMI) is a division of LDF that undertakes innovative research and houses LDF's archive. In all media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF (do not include NAACP) and refer to the Institute as LDF's Thurgood Marshall Institute or TMI.