According to a Friday press release from the US Attorney’s Office, Idaho’s chief federal attorney is urging the public to help protect democracy on Election Day by reporting concerns and complaints about voting rights, interference, voter fraud or other potential crimes.
US Attorney Josh Hurwit said US Assistant Attorneys across Idaho will join a longstanding nationwide action by the US Department of Justice on Election Day.
The attorneys will coordinate with the Department of Justice’s headquarters in Washington, DC as they oversee the handling of complaints related to voting rights, voter fraud and threats of violence against poll officials or employees.
According to a Friday press release from the US Attorney’s Office, Idaho’s chief federal attorney is urging the public to help protect democracy on Election Day by reporting concerns and complaints about voting rights, interference, voter fraud or other potential crimes.
US Attorney Josh Hurwit said US Assistant Attorneys across Idaho will join a longstanding nationwide action by the US Department of Justice on Election Day.
The attorneys will coordinate with the Department of Justice’s headquarters in Washington, DC as they oversee the handling of complaints related to voting rights, voter fraud and threats of violence against poll officials or employees.
The general election is on Tuesday 8th November.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination, and that vote must be counted in a fair and free election,” Hurwit said in the release. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subjected to unlawful threats of violence. The Justice Department will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the electoral process.”
To make a complaint about possible voting abuse or voter fraud in Idaho, you can:
- Call the US Attorney’s Office at 208-334-1211.
- Call the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office that covers Idaho at 801-579-1400.
- Contact the Department of Civil Rights in Washington, DC at 800-253-3931.
- Complete a complaint form at civilrights.justice.gov.
- In cases of intimidation or violence, Hurwit advised calling 911 first before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have jurisdiction over polling stations and can respond to emergencies.
Federal laws protect voters and poll workers from crimes such as:
- Threats of violence against poll officials, poll workers, or staff
- intimidate or bribe voters
- pretend to be a voter
- Change vote numbers
- fill ballot boxes
- Flagging ballots for voters against their will or without their input
Federal laws such as the Voting Rights Act also protect the right of voters to cast their ballot free from interference or intimidation and to mark their own ballot; or if they need assistance for reasons such as disability or the inability to read or write English, they have the right to be assisted by a person of their choice, Hurwit’s office said in the release.
Voters must not be prevented or discouraged from casting their ballot or voting for the candidate of their choice, the statement said.
“The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy,” Hurwit said in the press release. “We all must ensure that those entitled to the right to vote can exercise it if they want and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.”
