The Department of Justice plans to send federal election observers to California and New Jersey next month, following requests from state Republican parties, to monitor polling sites and ensure compliance with federal law.

The move has drawn criticism from Democratic officials, who argue it could intimidate voters, while GOP leaders cite past voting irregularities and the importance of transparency.

Observers will focus on five California counties and Passaic County in New Jersey amid high-profile elections, including California’s redistricting initiative and New Jersey’s governor’s race, CBS News has reported.

Although federal election monitoring is routine, the initiative comes amid heightened political tensions over claims of election fraud and mail-in voting.