The United States Attorney's Office has launched a program to ensure the integrity of the upcoming November 5 election. U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced the appointment of Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Savage in Charlotte and Don Gast in Asheville as District Election Officers for the Western District of North Carolina. According to a press release from the United States Attorney's Office, these officers will quickly address any complaints about voting rights violations and threats to election officials on Election Day.
The initiative is part of a nationwide Election Day Program aimed at combating election fraud and any form of intimidation at the polls. U.S. Attorney King emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone being able "to vote without interference or discrimination" and for each vote "to be counted in a fair and free election." She also emphasized the importance of ensuring that election officials and staff can perform their duties without facing threats of violence. In their roles, Assistant United States Attorneys Savage and Gast are expected to oversee the district's response to any concerns on Election Day. The Justice Department's statement further clarifies that the Election Day Program is designed to help maintain public confidence in the electoral process, as stated by the United States Attorney's Office.
Threats of violence against election officials, voter intimidation, bribery, vote-buying, and other voting rights violations are covered by federal laws, with the Voting Rights Act specifically protecting voters' right to cast their ballots without interference. The United States Attorney's Office press release also states that anyone needing assistance due to a disability or language barrier has the right to receive help from a person of their choice. "The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy," U.S. Attorney King said, emphasizing the department's commitment to preserving the integrity of the electoral process and holding accountable those who try to corrupt it.
To address complaints on Election Day, District Election Officers Savage and Gast will be on duty while polls are open. Savage can be reached in Charlotte at 704-344-6222, and Gast is available in Asheville at 828-271-4661. The FBI will also have agents ready to handle claims of election fraud. Contact info for the local FBI field office is included in the release. The DOJ will accept complaints about federal voting rights violations through their Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC, either by calling 800-253-3931 or using an online form. King urges Americans with information about voting rights issues or election fraud to come forward. He stresses the importance of citizen involvement in protecting voting rights. In cases of immediate threats or violence, the release advises contacting local authorities at 911 first to ensure safety.
