Nessel discusses threats of federal monitors, law enforcement at polling places during voter forum

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a Washington forum with California's Rob Bonta and Maine's Shenna Bellows to discuss how their states are preparing for the 2026 midterms, citing unresolved federal threats to place monitors, law enforcement, or immigration agents at polling places. Nessel described Michigan as ground zero for 2020 election interference, recalling pressure on Wayne County canvassers, an Oval Office meeting with state legislative leaders, and false electors whose charges were later dropped.

She said clerks now face harassment including swatting and doxing, and that her office set up a hate crimes and terrorism unit in 2019 to respond. Nessel noted her office has prepared legal briefs for nearly every contingency short of, in her words, a zombie apocalypse.

On federal monitors, Nessel said past deployments existed to prevent voter suppression, but she is uncertain whether this cycle's monitors are being used to manufacture pretexts for future challenges. She expressed hope that federal agents would honor their oaths rather than act on behalf of what she called an administration unlikely to remain in office much longer.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.