Federal election monitors are heading to Harris County after Democratic lawmakers requested their presence, drawing criticism from Republicans who question the need for monitors.
The Department of Justice announced on Friday that it is dispatching monitors to Texas to oversee polling locations in several areas, including Harris County. However, it remains unclear whether the monitors will be able to access polling sites due to state regulations. Texas law prohibits federal monitors from entering polling sites, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
This is not the first time federal monitors have come to Texas; they have historically observed polling sites across the U.S. to enforce federal voting rights laws.
County Commissioner Rodney Ellis questioned the opposition to federal monitors, asking, “What do they have to hide?” Congressman Al Green encouraged people to be vigilant, saying, “I want everyone to monitor the polls where you are.”
Meanwhile, Republicans argue that state-appointed poll watchers are sufficient. Over one million people have already voted early in Harris County, and some Republican leaders dismiss the federal presence as unnecessary. “This is a sham,” said State Sen. Paul Bettencourt. “Where are their facts about voter suppression? Because there are none.”
Republican county leaders have suggested they might act if federal monitors arrive. Still, political analysts suggest voters may not notice any difference. Bob Stein, a political science professor at Rice University, noted, “I think the secretary of state is not looking for a big fight here. Legal battles like this can be costly and slow down the election process.”
The office of County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth stated that her focus is on ensuring a fair, secure, and transparent election in compliance with Texas election code.
Federal officials have also set up a hotline at 1-800-253-3931 and a website for voters to report issues.
