U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan announced that an Assistant U.S. Attorney will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. This appointment is part of the Department of Justice's nationwide Election Day Program. The DEO will oversee complaints related to voting rights concerns, threats against election officials or staff, and election fraud in coordination with the Department of Justice’s Headquarters.
"Every eligible citizen must be free to vote without interference or discrimination and have that vote counted as part of a fair and free election," stated Buchanan. He emphasized the importance of protecting election officials from unlawful threats, noting that many are elder community members.
The Department of Justice plays a significant role in addressing discrimination and intimidation at polling stations, threats to election workers, and election fraud. The longstanding Election Day Program aims to maintain public confidence by providing local contact points for reporting potential federal election law violations.
Federal laws protect against crimes such as threatening violence against election personnel, voter intimidation or bribery, vote buying and selling, impersonating voters, altering vote counts, ballot stuffing, and marking ballots without voter consent. Special protections under the Voting Rights Act ensure voters can mark their own ballots or receive assistance if needed due to disability or language barriers.
Buchanan added that "the franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy," stressing the need to guarantee this right while bringing violators to justice.
On election day, the District’s AUSA/DEO will be available during polling hours for complaints related to voting rights and fraud. The DEO can be contacted at (404) 581-6001. Additionally, FBI special agents across field offices will handle allegations of election abuses on that day. The local FBI office is reachable at 770-216-3000.
Complaints about federal voting rights violations can also be directed to the Civil Rights Division in Washington via https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by calling 800-253-3931.
"Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate," Buchanan remarked. He encouraged those with information about voting issues or fraud to report it to authorities.
In cases involving violence or intimidation crimes at polling places, individuals should contact 911 first before reaching out to federal authorities due to state and local police having primary jurisdiction over these locations.
For more details, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. More information is available on their website: http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.