A 'Vote Here' yard sign with an American flag and arrow beside a sidewalk, pedestrian in background. — Cook County is on the DOJ's list of jurisdictions receiving federal election monitors for the Nov. 3 midterms, though it is unclear whether any monitors were assigned to Oak Park, River Forest or Forest Park polling places. Lorie Shaull from St Paul, United States

Elections

Oak Park area included in DOJ election monitor sweep

By Oak Park Wire staff · November 3, 2026 · 1 min read

Cook County landed on the Department of Justice's list of jurisdictions receiving federal election monitors on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park sit within Cook County, but it is unclear whether any monitors were assigned to polling places in those communities.

The DOJ deployed approximately 1,000 monitors across all 50 states for the first time, calling it its largest monitoring effort in history, according to a department announcement. Six Illinois jurisdictions were named: Chicago, Cook County, Champaign County, Sangamon County, St. Clair County and Madison County.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a pre-Election Day statement, reported by Patch, that monitors must follow election judges' instructions and cannot inspect, touch or seize ballots or voting equipment.

Voters can report voting-rights concerns to the DOJ's election hotline at 1-800-253-3931 or by email at [email protected].

Jessica Henry

News Producer

Jessica is an Emmy-nominated journalist and newsroom leader with a passion for impactful storytelling. Her work has spanned both local and national media, including television news and podcast production. Throughout her career, she has led news teams across the Northeast, overseeing coverage of major breaking news events, severe weather, and high-profile investigations, while helping shape content that reached audiences across local and national platforms. She believes local journalism is the heartbeat of every community, keeping residents informed and connected when it matters most. Now based in Texas, Jessica is embracing life with her husband and newborn son while continuing her love of storytelling. Away from work, she enjoys family time on the boat, beach days, and exploring the charm of coastal towns and seaside shops.

Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Your newsletter subscriptions are subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

Other News

Elections
View More
Oak Park polls open through 7 p.m. for Nov. 3 election
Oak Park voters head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the 2026 general election, with races for governor, U.S. Senate, the 7th Congressional District and two advisory referendums on the ballot. Here's what you need to know before you vote.
November 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Public Safety
View More
Oak Park firefighters join 30-year cancer risk study
The Oak Park Fire Department has enrolled in a University of Illinois research project tracking how firefighting affects cancer risk, with a mobile lab visiting the main station to collect samples from volunteer participants.
November 3, 2026 · 2 min read
Education
View More
River Forest District 90 schools all earn Exemplary ratings
All three River Forest School District 90 schools received the state's top designation on the 2025-26 Illinois Report Card released Oct. 30, though chronic absenteeism in the district rose to 10.4%.
November 3, 2026 · 2 min read
Local Government
View More
DOJ declines Oak Park trustee's case judge in misconduct probe
The U.S. Department of Justice declined to turn over documents sought by the federal judge investigating alleged prosecutorial misconduct in the Broadview 6 case, in which Oak Park Village Trustee Brian Straw was a defendant. A hearing is set for Thursday, Nov. 5.
November 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Local Government
View More
Forest Park council votes Nov. 9 to fill Maxham's seat
Forest Park's four remaining commissioners will vote at the Nov. 9 council meeting to appoint a replacement for Maria Maxham, who resigned Oct. 13. The seat must be filled by a Nov. 13 appointment deadline.
November 2, 2026 · 2 min read
Community
View More
Oak Park Avenue closes at North Boulevard for 10 days Monday
The intersection of Oak Park Avenue and North Boulevard will shut down to vehicle traffic starting Monday, Nov. 2, for about 10 days while crews pour concrete and install bricks as part of the Renew the Avenue project.
November 2, 2026 · 2 min read