Texas, Florida Block Federal Election Monitors

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced plans to send federal election monitors to 86 jurisdictions across 27 states, including Texas and Florida, to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws. However, both Texas and Florida officials have stated that DOJ monitors will not be permitted inside polling places, citing state laws that restrict access. Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson emphasized that Texas has robust election processes and procedures in place, while Florida's Secretary of State Cord Byrd reiterated that federal monitors are not included in the list of authorized personnel at polling sites. This situation reflects a broader trend, as Republican-led states have increasingly denied federal access to polling places, arguing that such presence could undermine voter confidence. In response, states like Florida plan to deploy their own monitors to oversee the elections. The DOJ's increased monitoring efforts come amid ongoing concerns about voting rights and compliance with federal laws.