MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department says it will monitor elections in Shelby County today.
A statement from the department says monitors will ensure polling places comply with the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination against minorities. The election features a multitude of races on the ballot, including seats for U.S. Senate and U.S. House, the governor's race and four proposed constitutional amendments.
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.