# Cato’s Richer: Department of Justice Presence at Polling Centers is Routine, Despite Unusual Rhetoric Around Elections 

August 4, 2026 • News Releases 

Following recent reporting that the Trump administration will be sending Department of Justice officials to Michigan polling centers, [Stephen Richer](https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://zwly9k6z.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:*2F*2Fwww.cato.org*2Fpeople*2Fstephen-richer/1/0100019fce006e2f-a2654677-b5f8-48af-b5d1-d47621468f2a-000000/FmzRKbp5RXm8vB-T6JsNFWqEo8E=473___.YXAzOmNhdG9pbnN0aXR1dGU6YTpvOjAzODg1MzkyNTJjNGE4MmRlMmEyYTlkOWZkZjE1MWZmOjc6Y2MzNjpmYTY5MDBjMjAzNWRiYWE5YjA3N2VlYzJmNDRiMzJmZTYyODk4MWI0MzdlMjYwODZmYmI0ZGM1OTJlZmFmMzdiOmg6VDpO), former recorder of Maricopa County and a legal fellow at the Cato Institute, released the following statement:

> *“Even if a lot of the rhetoric surrounding the federal government and election administration is unusual these days, the Department of Justice presence at voting locations is routine. Arizona had them at voting locations in our recent primary. Just as we’ve had in past election years.”*

To speak with Richer on this, contact [Christopher Tarvardian](mailto:ctarvardian@cato.org).

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