Federal Election Monitors to Oversee Polls Despite State Resistance

GOP officials in Missouri, Texas, and Florida have attempted to block the Justice Department from sending observers into polling places, a practice aimed at ensuring compliance with federal voting rights laws. Missouri and Texas filed lawsuits, arguing state laws prohibit federal presence at polling sites. Federal judges denied Missouri's request for a restraining order, while Texas reached an agreement allowing DOJ monitors to remain outside polling places. The DOJ's monitoring efforts, which include ensuring compliance with the Voting Rights Act, have been a longstanding practice.