Adams County Clerk and Recorder Josh Zygielbaum said his office received notice Tuesday. Douglas County received a similar letter Wednesday, then heard from the department a day later that its notification was mistaken and monitors would not be sent there.

The monitors are expected to observe compliance with federal voting-rights laws. Colorado is among six states designated for federal monitoring, though the notice described in the available information identifies Adams County as the state’s monitoring location.

The change comes as voters in Adams and Weld counties decide Colorado’s 8th Congressional District contest between Republican incumbent Gabe Evans and Democrat Manny Rutinel. In the 4th District, Democrat Eileen Laubacher is challenging Republican incumbent Lauren Boebert. Both races have drawn attention as Democrats seek to unseat Republican incumbents.

Zygielbaum said he had anticipated some federal involvement but was surprised the initial notice named Adams County rather than both Adams and Weld counties. Douglas County voters interviewed during the confusion expressed differing views. Rick O’Donnell said the monitoring would not affect him because he had already voted. Sebastian Aichele said he viewed the proposed federal presence as unwelcome and questioned why the government had changed its plans.

The state’s Secretary of State’s Office responded to the Justice Department on Thursday, disputing its authority to observe election activities in nonpublic spaces under the statutes cited in the department’s communication. The office requested more information about the proposed observers.

Colorado will consider the Adams County request under a state election rule adopted Oct. 9. It requires official observers seeking access to nonpublic election spaces to obtain express permission from the Secretary of State’s Office. Previously, federal observers did not need that authorization, the office said. It could not say when Justice Department monitors last visited Colorado.

Doug Spencer, a University of Colorado law professor, said federal observers were established to help protect voting rights. But he said distrust in government can make their presence feel threatening rather than reassuring, especially when federal officials’ public statements leave people uncertain about the monitors’ purpose and the risks involved.

The Douglas County Clerk’s Office said its commitment remains to secure, accurate, transparent and accessible elections for eligible voters. Karen Hoopes, the Republican candidate for Adams County clerk and recorder, said she welcomes lawful, independent observation, including by the Justice Department, arguing that transparency can build public confidence.

The federal government has authority under the Voting Rights Act to deploy observers in certain circumstances. Colorado’s review will determine whether and where federal monitors can enter nonpublic election spaces in Adams County under the state’s new rule.