The growing presence of partisans creates the possibility of even more conflict in the November midterm elections, voting rights advocates worry. “The Trump administration has sought to break longstanding norms surrounding observers and monitors,” said Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., the House elections subcommittee’s top Democrat. It stresses “election observers are not campaign staff and may not advocate or represent any candidate or position.” The program has enjoyed broad bipartisan support and won plaudits recently from Rep.Laurel Lee, R-Florida, chair of the House elections subcommittee. Republicans in 2024 sent poll watchers to many states, part of a massive effort that officials said would assure election integrity.