BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The statewide Election Integrity Project has sued five California counties -- including Kern County -- demanding special monitors be appointed to oversee Tuesday’s election. The suit claims the EIP found tens of thousands more votes than voters in California’s 2022 election. The suit -- a request for a writ of mandate -- was filed Thursday in Sacramento County Superior Court. It was filed as a “priority election matter” and the EIP asked for a ruling before Wednesday, but it wasn’t immediately known if a hearing would be scheduled before then. Get to know the candidates: How CA-22 candidates responded to basic questions The suit says EIP compared a list of voters in the November, 2022 statewide general election with the certified election results. According to the suit, there was a statewide difference of more than 40,000 votes. In Kern County, there was a difference of 490 votes. The suit is not challenging the 2022 results but says it seeks to ensure the accuracy of next week’s voting. It asks for “special masters” to be appointed to oversee next week’s elections in the five named counties and for a review of the 2022 election results. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 17 News Alerts SIGN UP NOW The suit names the California Secretary of State and registrars of voters in Kern, Tulare, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties. It was filed by a law firm called “Advocates for Faith & Freedom” on behalf of the EIP and five individuals, including Tom Pavich and Charles Shinn of Kern County. Because the filing was announced late in the day -- at 4:59 p.m. Thursday -- Kern County Registrar of Voters Aimee Espinoza said she could not comment because she did not have a chance to read the suit. Others involved could not be reached for comment.