Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson has blocked federal election monitors from entering polling places across the state, marking another clash between Texas and federal authorities over election oversight. The Department of Justice had planned to deploy monitors to eight Texas counties for the November 5 election, but state law explicitly prohibits their presence inside voting locations.

The federal government’s attempt to place monitors in Bexar, Dallas, Frio, Harris, Hays, Palo Pinto, and Waller counties represents yet another example of Washington’s disregard for Texas sovereignty. Our state laws clearly outline who can be present at polling sites and counting stations – and federal inspectors aren’t on that list. Section 61.001 of the Texas Election Code stands as our legal shield against this federal intrusion.

For those of us who’ve long advocated for Texas independence, this situation perfectly illustrates why we must maintain control over our electoral processes. The Federal Government’s push to insert monitors into our polling places follows a pattern of overreach that stretches back decades. Like the heroes of the Texas Revolution who stood firm at Gonzales, we’re drawing a clear line – Texas will manage its own elections.

The economics support our position. Texas operates one of the world’s largest economies, with electoral systems and security measures that already exceed federal standards. We’ve implemented strict voter ID requirements, maintained accurate voter rolls, and established proper chain of custody procedures for ballots. These safeguards make federal oversight not just unnecessary, but potentially disruptive to our well-established processes.

Governor Abbott’s public support for Secretary Nelson’s decision reinforces Texas’s unified stance against federal interference. Florida and Arkansas have taken similar positions, creating a coalition of states pushing back against DOJ overreach. This resistance sends a clear message: states retain the right to conduct their own elections without federal meddling.

The timing of this federal attempt to monitor our elections raises questions. With Texas consistently challenging federal policies on immigration, energy, and regulatory matters, the DOJ’s sudden interest in our polling places appears less about protecting voting rights and more about asserting control. But Texas voters don’t need Washington’s watchdogs – we have our own election integrity measures and state inspectors in place.

As Texans head to the polls on Tuesday, they can take pride in knowing their state officials have stood firm against federal overreach. This isn’t just about election monitoring—it’s about preserving the fundamental right of Texans to govern themselves. The spirit of independence that birthed our nation in 1836 remains as vital as ever in 2024.