MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department says it will monitor elections in Shelby County during the Tennessee primary.
A statement from the agency says monitors will ensure polling places comply with the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination against minorities. The primary election on Thursday features a multitude of races on the ballot, including seats for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the governor and state Supreme Court justices.
Problems with elections in Shelby County, which includes Memphis, date back years.
Most recently, an internal Shelby County government draft audit report said officials failed to process dozens of voter registration applications between March 2012 and January 2013.
In October 2012, Tennessee's comptroller said poor planning and mistakes with the redistricting process led to ballot problems during the Aug. 2, 2012 election.