HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The U.S. Department of Justice agreed to bar federal election observers from entering polling places in Texas after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the Biden-Harris administration overnight.

Last week, on Nov. 1, the Justice Department announced it would send monitors to eight Texas counties, including Harris County and Waller County, to monitor compliance with federal civil rights laws. The announcement came after more than 60 Democratic leaders asked for their appearance.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Federal election observers head to Harris County despite Texas leaders telling them to stay away

Federal observers have been in Texas for other elections in the past, but Republicans say they are not needed because the state plans to have its own poll watchers in the area.

New Texas law bans federal observers from entering polling places, the Texas Secretary of State said.

In response, on November 4, Paxton filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice and federal authorities and requested a temporary restraining order.

Following the lawsuit, the Justice Department reversed course and decided that federal election observers would not enter polling places in Texas on Tuesday.

As part of the agreement, all federal election observers will now remain outside polling and central counting locations, comply with Texas laws governing conduct within 100 feet of those locations, and refrain from interfering with voters trying to cast ballots.

A federal judge also ordered the Biden-Harris administration to certify that no federal election observers will be present at polling places or tallying centers in Texas, according to Paxton’s office.

Paxton said the case will remain on hold until after the election to “ensure DOJ compliance.” Voters can report any violations to their local election officials or the Attorney General’s Office at [email protected].

Democrats want voters to know you can still do it If you encounter any issues with federal civil rights laws, contact the federal government.

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