Evergreen Reporter

Hagatña, Guam – Shawn N. Anderson, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, has announced the appointment of Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) to lead efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024 general election. AUSA Marivic P. David will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for Guam, while AUSA Eric S. O’Malley will take on this role for the Northern Mariana Islands. Their responsibilities include overseeing election day complaints related to voting rights concerns, threats against election officials or staff, and election fraud.

United States Attorney Anderson emphasized that "every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election." He added that "election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence."

The Department of Justice plays a crucial role in deterring discrimination and intimidation at polling stations, addressing threats against election workers, and combating election fraud. The longstanding Election Day Program aims to ensure public confidence by providing local points of contact within the Department for reporting potential federal election law violations.

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

Anderson stated: “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.” He noted that DEOs would be on duty during polling hours to address complaints efficiently. Ms. David can be reached at (671) 479-4120 and Mr. O’Malley at (670) 236-2986.

Additionally, FBI special agents will be available nationwide on election day to handle allegations of fraud and other abuses. The public can contact FBI offices in Honolulu at (808) 566-4300; Guam at (671) 472-7465; or Northern Mariana Islands at (670) 322-6934.

Complaints about federal voting rights violations can also be submitted directly to the Civil Rights Division via https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by calling 800-253-3931.

Anderson highlighted that "ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate," urging those with information about voting rights concerns or fraud to report it promptly.

In emergencies involving violence or intimidation at polling places, individuals are advised to call 911 first before contacting federal authorities since local police typically have faster response capabilities.