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Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson, the top election official in the state of Texas, is shutting down DOJ attempts to send federal officials to "monitor" elections in seven different counties here in Texas.
Late last week, it was revealed that the DOJ intended to dispatch election monitors to 27 different states, including both Texas and Florida, in order to ensure "compliance with federal voting rights laws." These officials were targeting seven different counties in Texas, including Harris, Bexar, and Dallas counties.
Secretary Nelson responded by sending a letter to Jasmyn Richardson of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, explaining that under Texas law, these DOJ monitors are not permitted inside polling locations, and they will not be granted entry.
She stated, "Texas law is clear: Justice Department monitors are not permitted inside a polling place where ballots are being cast or at a central counting station where ballots are being counted. Section 61.001 of the Texas Election Code specifies who may be lawfully present on election day; federal inspectors are not included in this list. See TEX. ELEC. CODE § 61.001(a-1). Nor are federal inspectors specified in the list of those permitted at the central counting station while ballots are counted. See id. § 127.008(b)."
Secretary Nelson's move has been backed and applauded by a number of activists and officials, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Officials in Florida are also pushing back against this. Both Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd have spoken out, making it clear that federal officials will not be allowed inside their polling places.
The Harris County Republican Party will be holding a press conference this afternoon to provide an update on what they're calling an attempt by the DOJ to interfere with Texas elections. Party Chair Cindy Siegel, as well as State Senator Paul Bettencourt, and Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey are all expected to appear.