Both Texas and Florida have taken a stand against the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) plans to place federal election monitors inside polling locations. Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson has communicated to the DOJ that, according to state law, federal monitors are prohibited from entering polling places or ballot counting centers. This announcement follows the DOJ’s decision to dispatch monitors to eight Texas counties on Election Day to ensure adherence to federal voting rights laws.
In Florida, Secretary of State Cord Byrd has echoed this sentiment, asserting that state law does not allow federal monitors within polling locations. The DOJ intends to send personnel to four Florida counties, but their observers will be restricted to areas outside the polling places.
This coordinated response from both states highlights a growing tension between state and federal oversight of election processes, raising questions about voter protection and compliance with federal regulations.
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Texas tells U.S. Justice Department that federal election monitors aren’t allowed in polling places.