RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) says that, as it has done for decades, election monitors will be in Virginia on Election Day.   A DOJ spokesperson sent 8News the following statement.  “We will be in all 50 states, including Virginia, doing the routine election monitori ng the department has done for decades. We will have around 1,000 monitors in counties throughout the United States, but we will not share the full list until Election Day. Every monitor will merely observe and report any potential violations of federal law to the Department, which will be reviewed after Election Day. All monitors must meet the same legal and ethical requirements, including that they not interfere with the voting process. Every monitor has the same role: observe for potential violations of federal law and report concerns to the Department, which the Department will review after Election Day and act where appropriate.” The confirmation comes after the Attorney General’s Office and the Virginia Department of Elections sent a bulletin to local election officials citing “heightened public concern” surrounding “potential actions by the federal government.” The bulletin says DOJ election monitors are allowed in polling locations, provided they have written permission from the local electoral board or the general registrar in that locality and agree to follow rules outlined in state law, including not to hinder or delay voters.  The bulletin adds that the decision to accept a request to monitor is solely up to the applicable electoral board and general registrar, and election officials can remove DOJ observers if they fail to follow the rules.  ...read more read less