In preparation for the November 5 general election, U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary of the Middle District of Georgia has appointed two District Election Officers (DEOs) to spearhead the Justice Department's nationwide efforts to ensure a fair electoral process, as per a recent release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The DEOs are tasked with overseeing complaints of voting rights concerns and threats of violence against election officials or staff.
"Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and have that vote counted in a fair and free election," U.S. Attorney Leary said, emphasizing the importance of protecting both voters and election officials from unlawful threats of violence, according to a statement obtained by the Justice Department. The District Election Officers (DEOs) play a key role in these protective measures, serving as the district's point of contact for reporting potential violations of federal election laws on Election Day.
The federal laws in question defend against numerous illegitimate actions such as bribery, voter intimidation, and fraudulent manipulation of vote tallies, and they particularly uphold the right of voters to make their own ballot choices or to seek necessary assistance. Citizens are encouraged to reach out to the designated contact points, namely the DEOs via phone at 478-621-2698 or email at [email protected], the FBI via 1-800-CALL-FBI, or the Civil Rights Division directly via their website or phone at 800-253-3931 for reports of election abuses or fraud.
In his statement, U.S. Attorney Leary emphasized the significance of American public involvement, stating, "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." However, he urged that in cases of immediate threats or violence, emergency services via 911 should be contacted first to ensure a quick local law enforcement response before federal authorities are involved, as mentioned by the Justice Department.
