The U.S. Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to select polling locations in Harris County ahead of Election Day, according to the report. The Harris County Clerk's Office said the monitors will observe compliance with federal voting-rights laws, including protections against discrimination.
The county said monitors may wear plain clothes and stand outside the 100-foot electioneering boundary. They may also approach voters as they leave to ask about their voting experience. The Harris County Clerk's Office said voters are not required to speak with the monitors.
Some Houston-area residents have questioned why federal officials need to be near polling locations. Houston resident James Hudson said he worries that the officials' presence could make people feel intimidated, given the current political climate. Hudson also asked whether voters have the right to decline talking with federal officials.