The Quick Facts
You’re a trusted voice in your community. When news like this breaks on Election Day, people look to you to make sense of it. Here’s what you need to know, and what to share.
- Who’s coming: The U.S. Department of Justice is sending election monitors to seven Texas counties: Bexar, Dallas, Harris, Waller, Blanco, Bowie, and Nueces.
- The big picture: This is part of a national effort. DOJ is sending about 1,000 monitors to all 50 states today.
- Why: Monitors check compliance with federal voting rights laws, including the Voting Rights Act and protections that make sure voters with disabilities can cast a ballot.
- Is it new? No. For example, Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth says she’s seen DOJ monitor elections under both Republican and Democratic administrations during her 21 years in election service.
- Where they can be: Texas law doesn’t allow federal monitors inside polling places or where ballotsF are counted. The Texas Secretary of State confirmed this on Oct. 16. Monitors may be outside the 100-foot boundary, in plain clothes.
- Impact on voting: Texas election officials don’t expect any changes or disruptions.
What to Tell Your Community
Keep it simple. Three points cover most questions:
- Nothing about how you vote changes. Same polling place, same hours, same ID rules.
- You don’t have to talk to a monitor. They may ask about your experience as you leave. You can share details with them or a friendly “no thanks” is fine.
- Polls are open until 7 p.m. If you’re in line by 7, stay. You can still vote.
Keep It Steady
People take their cues from you. A few ways to help:
- Stick to official sources. Point people to their county elections office or the Texas Secretary of State, not viral posts.
- Skip the speculation. If you don’t know the answer, say so and share where to find it.
- Keep the focus on voting. The most helpful message today is “Here’s how to vote."
If Someone Runs Into a Problem
- Disruption at the polls? Report it to local election officials first, including the poll workers on site.
- Violence, threats, or intimidation? Call 911 right away. Then report it to the DOJ.
- Election Protection hotline: Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). It’s nonpartisan.
- Texas Secretary of State: 1-800-252-8683.
- Federal voting rights questions or complaints: Call the DOJ election hotline at 1-800-253-3931, email VEM@usdoj.gov, or file at civilrights.justice.gov/report.
- Disability access issues: Call the DOJ’s ADA line at 1-800-514-0301 (TTY: 1-833-610-1264).
