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UpdateTexasMonday, October 19, 2026

U.S. Attorney announced election monitoring in Texas during early voting

A federal prosecutor outlined steps his office is taking during early voting in October 2026.

Reporting by
Justice Department
“U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz statement on election season and federal election law”, Monday, October 19, 2026
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What happened

U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz issued a statement on October 19, 2026, outlining steps his office is taking to protect election integrity during early voting in Texas. He announced the appointment of civil and criminal District Election Officers to monitor key polling locations. He established coordination procedures with the Texas Secretary of State and Attorney General for referrals alleging federal law violations.1

He surged legal resources in coordination with DHS, FBI, and the Civil Rights Division.1

What it means in Texas

What this means for Texas voters

The statement was issued on the first day of early voting, which runs from Monday October 19 through Friday October 30, 2026.2

Key dates in Texas

Election Day in 6 days
  1. Mon, Oct 5 · passed
    Registration deadline
  2. Mon, Oct 19 · passed
    Early voting begins
  3. Fri, Oct 23 · passed
    Last day for mail ballot applications
  4. Tue, Nov 3 · 6 days
    Election Day
  5. Wed, Nov 4 · 7 days
    Mail ballots must arrive
  6. Tue, Nov 17 · 20 days
    County/Local certification
  7. Mon, Dec 7 · 40 days
    State certification

Every date in Texas, and who certifies the election

The answers behind this
Who runs elections, and who can't interfereVoting in Texas, 2026How do I vote by mail or early in Texas in 2026?Who certifies the election in Texas, and by when?

Explore this issue

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Sources

  1. Justice Department, https://justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/us-attorney-aaron-reitz-statement-election-season-and-federal-election-law · Monday, October 19, 2026
  2. Vote.org, Texas Election Center, https://www.vote.org/state/texas/

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