Wyoming governor objects to DOJ election monitoring
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon asked his attorney general to investigate DOJ election monitors' 'aggressive' behavior during primaries. The dispute highlights tensions over federal election oversight and state authority.
Background
During Wyoming's primary elections last week, two Justice Department monitors from the Civil Rights Division visited polling places in Laramie County. Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican, said their behavior was 'aggressive' and 'irregular,' and that state and local officials were not notified in advance. He has asked the state attorney general to look into the matter, while the DOJ has defended its actions as part of ensuring election integrity.
How it unfolded
- Aug 18, 2026U.S. Attorney for Wyoming Darin Smith issued a statement about working with local officials to protect votes, ahead of the primary.
- Aug 26, 2026At a state canvassing board meeting, Gov. Gordon expressed concerns about DOJ monitors' behavior, calling it 'aggressive' and 'irregular,' and said he asked the attorney general to investigate.
- Aug 27, 2026Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee recounted that two monitors did not show credentials until requested and tried to interview voters and access voting machines.
- Aug 28, 2026The DOJ pointed to the U.S. Attorney's statement, while Gov. Gordon's comments drew national media coverage.
Who’s saying what
- Governor
- Gov. Gordon said the monitors' behavior 'seemed to exceed what the authority that Congress had given them was' and asked the AG to examine it.
- DOJ
- The DOJ, via U.S. Attorney Darin Smith, said it was working alongside local officials to ensure every lawful vote is protected.
- Local Official
- Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee said the monitors did not offer credentials until requested and their actions were concerning.
Still unverified
The specific claim that monitors tried to interview voters and access voting machines is based on Gov. Gordon's and Clerk Lee's accounts; the DOJ has not directly responded to these allegations.