In anticipation of the November 5 general election, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida announced measures to support the Justice Department's nationwide Election Day Program, aimed at maintaining the integrity of the election process.
As reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, designated Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Southern District of Florida will oversee the management of election day complaints, including those of voting rights concerns and election fraud, and they stand ready to protect against intimidation at the polls, undue interference, voting rights abuses, and other unlawful activities that may threaten the sanctity of the voting process.
The core of this effort, according to U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe, is to ensure that "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process." Assistant U.S. Attorneys will work with DOJ headquarters in D.C. and will be on duty while polls are open to address any issues that arise. Lapointe emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "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, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to support the FBI’s investigation of any complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the designated AUSAs will be on duty in this District while the polls are open," in the U.S. Attorney's Office release.
Special agents from the FBI will be strategically placed to respond to allegations of electoral misconduct; members of the public can report election fraud to their local FBI field office at (754) 703-2000. Additionally, potential federal voting rights violations can be reported to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. either via a dedicated complaint form or by phone at (800) 253-3931.
In cases of violence or immediate threats, the office advises calling 911 before contacting federal authorities, as local law enforcement has primary jurisdiction over polling stations and can often respond more quickly. Lapointe emphasized the vital role of the American public in protecting the electoral process, urging individuals with specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud to share it with the Department of Justice.
