Federal election monitors are expected to be at Harris County polls on Election Day, the Harris County Clerk’s Office announced in a press release Oct. 29.
What you need to know
The clerk’s office received notice that the U.S. Department of Justice intends to send federal election monitors to polls across the county on Election Day, Nov. 3. This practice is “not unusual” and has happened in Harris County and across the state, according to the press release.
In a statement, County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth said the DOJ has announced its intent to monitor elections under Democratic and Republican administrations throughout her 21 years of election service.
“Our responsibility remains the same: to conduct a secure, transparent and lawful election while ensuring every eligible voter can cast their ballot without interference,” Hudspeth said.
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division intends to monitor federal voting rights law compliance, specifically Voting Rights Act provisions that protect voters from discrimination, per the release.
The specifics
Federal election monitors are expected to be dressed in everyday clothing and may approach voters to ask about their experience as they exit the polls. They may be stationed outside the 100-foot electioneering boundary at voting locations, according to the release. Voters will be able to cast a ballot at more than 600 locations in Harris County on Election Day.
Guidance from the Secretary of State, given Oct. 16, confirmed election monitors are not permitted inside polling locations, per the release. The Texas Election Code states access to polling places, the early voting ballot board and central counting stations is limited to individuals authorized by law. This does not include federal election monitors.
“Texas law is clear about who may enter polling places and central counting stations,” Hudspeth said. “Our office will work to ensure those laws are followed and that election operations proceed in accordance with established legal requirements.”
The Clerk’s Office and the Harris County Attorney’s Office met with DOJ representatives to discuss applicable Texas election laws, guidance from the Texas Secretary of State and procedures governing election monitoring, according to the release.
The local impact
Voters should not anticipate disruptions, according to the press release. Election procedures have not changed, and county election operations will proceed as scheduled, per the release.
Hudspeth said her office’s focus remains on “the voters of Harris County.”
“Our election workers are prepared, and we look forward to another successful election,” she said.
