With the November 5 general election fast-approaching, federal prosecutors in Los Angeles are gearing up to closely monitor seven counties throughout the voting period. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced that Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas F. Rybarczyk and Anna P. Boylan will be leading this initiative, according to a recent statement. Rybarczyk takes on the role of District Election Officer (DEO) for the Central District of California, home to counties including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.
"The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy," Estrada was quoted in a statement. He emphasized that his office is committed to ensuring each citizen the ability to freely and fairly cast their votes without interference or discrimination. Further, he addressed the need for the safety of election officials and staff, indicating a proactive stance against any threats of violence or intimidation.
In preparation for the election, the U.S. Attorney's Office has already been collaborating with county voting officials and law enforcement leaders through a working group. This team's purpose is to coordinate efforts to safeguard the electoral process and to provide a swift and effective response to any potential threats to election security. The Department of Justice will actively address any violations of federal law relating to election fraud or intimidation throughout the country.
Federal law protects against a myriad of election crimes, including but not limited to threatening violence against election officials, intimidating or bribing voters, and altering vote tallies. In their capacity, Rybarczyk and Boylan will be on duty to immediately respond to any such complaints during election day. They will serve as points of contact within the Department to address potential federal election law violations, a move designed to also ensure public confidence in the integrity of the voting process.
Additionally, the FBI will provide special agents in field offices nationwide, ready to receive allegations of election fraud and other abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the Los Angeles public at (310) 477-6565. Complaints about federal voting rights law violations can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., either through their complaint form or by phone at (800) 253-3931.
For urgent matters involving crimes of violence or intimidation at the polls, the public is urged to contact 911 before federal authorities due to the primary jurisdiction and faster response capabilities of state and local police over polling places.
For further information, Public Information Officer Ciaran McEvoy can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by calling (213) 894-4465.
