The U.S. Department of Justice plans to monitor counties in Texas and other states on Election Day, Tuesday. El Paso County has not been notified that it is among the counties being monitored, but officials have not ruled out that possibility.
El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez said officials do not expect problems. She said that if there were interference, a response would be made quickly to protect votes. Sanchez said her office is ready to file lawsuits or pursue other legal remedies if needed, but did not give details.
The Justice Department said monitors observe, document and report compliance problems rather than intervene at polling sites. Monitors cannot enter polling places without the consent of state or local election officials, and cannot stop voters from entering. The department recently said it is expanding its monitoring program to more than 1,000 monitors nationwide, including attorneys from outside its Civil Rights Division. Concerns have been raised that the department could interfere with voting.