Evergreen Reporter

United States Attorney Josh Hurwit has announced that Assistant United States Attorneys from Idaho will spearhead efforts in connection with the Justice Department's Election Day Program for the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024. These attorneys have been designated as District Election Officers (DEO) and are tasked with overseeing election day complaints related to voting rights, threats of violence against election officials or staff, and election fraud. They will work in consultation with Justice Department officials in Washington, D.C.

"The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy," U.S. Attorney Hurwit emphasized. "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. We will be prepared to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election."

The Department of Justice plays a critical role in deterring discrimination and intimidation at polling places, addressing threats against election officials and poll workers, and combating election fraud. The department's longstanding Election Day Program aims to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact for reporting possible federal election law violations.

Federal law prohibits crimes such as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating voters, buying votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots without voter consent. The Voting Rights Act also protects voters' rights to mark their own ballots or receive assistance due to disability or language barriers.

U.S. Attorney Hurwit stated, "Every eligible 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."

Complaints regarding potential violations of federal voting rights laws can be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho at (208) 334-1211 or via email at usaid.civilrights@usdoj.gov. Additionally, complaints can be submitted directly to the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division through an online form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by calling (800) 253-3931.

The FBI will have special agents available nationwide on election day for receiving allegations of election fraud and other abuses. The Salt Lake City FBI field office covering Idaho is reachable at (801) 579-1400.

U.S. Attorney Hurwit added, "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 cases involving violence or intimidation crimes, individuals are advised to call 911 before contacting federal authorities since state and local police typically have primary jurisdiction over polling places.