Civil rights advocates plan to send thousands of observers to midterm polling places

Civil rights and left-leaning groups, including LUCHA in Arizona and the Vote Safe coalition, are training thousands of volunteers to observe polling places during the midterms, citing concern that ICE agents could intimidate voters. The article notes it would be illegal for armed ICE agents to be sent to polls, and administration officials say there are no such plans, though figures like Steve Bannon have called for it. The Republican National Committee and the Justice Department, which says it will send a record 1,000 observers, will also monitor polls. Election officials say large observer pushes are announced most cycles but are taking extra steps to educate the public on observer rules this year.