The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, along with the Department of Justice, has announced plans to monitor voting rights in Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties during the general election on November 5, 2024.
“Free and fair elections are critical to the democracy of our nation,” stated U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Every eligible voter is entitled to cast a ballot without fear of intimidation, interference, or discrimination. Our office will dedicate the necessary resources to ensure that this fundamental right is protected for all voters.”
The Department of Justice is responsible for enforcing federal voting rights laws that protect all eligible citizens' access to voting. Regular monitoring by the Department ensures compliance with federal civil rights laws across various communities nationwide.
This effort will be coordinated by the Department’s Civil Rights Division and will involve personnel who will liaise with state and local election officials throughout Election Day.
The Civil Rights Division's Voting Section enforces several federal statutes that safeguard voting rights, including the Voting Rights Act and others like the National Voter Registration Act and Help America Vote Act. The division also enforces provisions under acts like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to guarantee equal voting opportunities for persons with disabilities. Additionally, its Criminal Section addresses issues related to voter intimidation and suppression based on race or religion.
On Election Day, personnel from the Civil Rights Division will be available to address questions or complaints regarding potential violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports can be made via www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling 800-253-3931 toll-free. The U.S. Attorney’s Office can also receive complaints at (404) 581-6001.
For ADA-related inquiries or complaints, individuals may contact the ADA information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY), or file a complaint through www.ada.gov.
Disruptions at polling places should be reported directly to local election officials present at those locations. Any incidents involving violence or threats should first be reported to local police by calling 911 before notifying the Department.
Additional information about voting and elections is accessible at www.justice.gov/voting, where resources about federal voting laws are provided.
Complaints concerning possible violations of federal voting rights laws can also be submitted directly to Washington D.C.'s Civil Rights Division using their online form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or via phone at 800-253-3931.
For further details, contact can be made through U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or phone at (404) 581-6016. More information about their office is available online at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.