Evergreen Reporter

United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow has appointed Assistant United States Attorney Seth Erbe as the District Election Officer for Puerto Rico in preparation for the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024. Erbe, who is the Chief of the Financial Fraud & Corruption Section, will oversee election day complaints related to voting rights, threats of violence against election officials or staff, and election fraud.

Muldrow emphasized the importance of a fair electoral process: “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice plays a crucial role in addressing issues such as discrimination at polling stations, intimidation, threats against election personnel, and fraudulent activities. The Election Day Program aims to ensure public confidence by providing local contacts for reporting potential federal election law violations.

Federal laws protect against crimes like threatening violence towards election staff, voter intimidation or bribery, vote buying or selling, impersonating voters, altering vote counts, ballot stuffing, and marking ballots without voter consent. The Voting Rights Act ensures voters can mark their own ballots or receive assistance if needed due to disability or language barriers.

Muldrow reiterated: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.” AUSA/DEO Erbe will be available during polling hours at (787) 766-5656 and (787) 242-7400.

Additionally, FBI special agents will be on standby nationwide for reports of election fraud or abuses. In Puerto Rico, they can be contacted at (787) 987-6500. Complaints about federal voting rights violations can also be directed to the Civil Rights Division via https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by calling (800) 253-3931.

Muldrow highlighted public involvement: “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

In emergencies involving violence or intimidation at polling places, individuals should contact local authorities immediately by calling 911 before reaching out to federal agencies.