Election fraud, despite the assertions in campaign speeches and headlines, is almost non-existent in the U.S. now. But the U.S. Attorney’s Office has put out a press release to make sure that everyone knows what constitutes interference in an election — and what to do about it.
U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman is activating Election Day Hotline today that will operate through Wednesday at (888) 636-6596. It will be staffed live on Election day in English and in Spanish.
What is interference with the voting process? the U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for voters so they can vote free from intimidation or harassment. Actions designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning, challenging, photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting, may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or be assisted by a person of their choice.
The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division staff in Washington also will be available by phone to receive complaints related to voting rights (1-800-253-3931 toll free or 202-307-2767) or by TTY (202-514-0716). In addition, individuals may also report complaints, problems, or concerns related to voting by fax to 202-307-3961, by email to [email protected], and via complaint forms that may be submitted through a link on the Justice Department’s website.
