WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Portage County, Ohio, during the early voting period and on Election Day. This move comes in response to growing concerns about voter intimidation and alleged violations of federal voting rights laws within the county.
The Justice Department routinely deploys its staff to monitor elections across the country, ensuring adherence to civil rights laws that protect citizens’ access to the ballot. Federal observers may also be deployed from the Office of Personnel Management under court order, where necessary.
Concerns raised by voters in Portage County include surveillance and the collection of personal information regarding voters, as well as threats related to the electoral process. Such actions, if proven, would violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits intimidation, threats, or coercion directed at individuals for voting or assisting others in voting.
Reports of voter intimidation or violations in Portage County can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s internet portal or by phone. The Department of Justice provides additional information about federal voting laws and resources on its website.
This federal oversight follows recent controversy surrounding Portage County Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski. Just days ago, Zuchowski posted a statement on social media that has been widely condemned as racist and xenophobic. The sheriff’s post referenced voters who supported a particular candidate, suggesting their homes could be used to house “illegal human locusts.” This inflammatory message was shared on both Zuchowski’s personal and official sheriff’s Facebook pages, leading to widespread outrage.
Zuchowski, who is up for re-election, has faced backlash from local residents and activists who describe the comments as disturbing and divisive. This is not the first time the sheriff has come under fire. In July, he made headlines after publicly challenging Democratic Representative Emilia Sykes over her proposed police de-escalation training bill.
The sheriff’s office has yet to release an official statement regarding the most recent controversy. As tensions rise ahead of the election, the DOJ’s decision to monitor voting in Portage County underscores the critical need for fair and lawful elections in a community already strained by divisive rhetoric.