Recent legal actions in Texas and Missouri have seen federal election monitors embroiled in disputes with state officials. Judges have denied requests from both states to block the Department of Justice (DOJ) from sending monitors to oversee elections, while Missouri Republicans have filed lawsuits in an attempt to bar federal surveillance at polling sites, claiming harassment. Despite opposition, the DOJ remains cleared to deploy monitors in these states, though agreements have been reached to keep them outside polling places in Texas. As Election Day approaches, tensions are high, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton actively mobilizing a legal response team in major counties to assert state control over electoral processes amidst the ongoing battle over the presence of DOJ officials.