Savannah Standard

U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg has appointed a District Election Officer (DEO) to manage election day complaints in the Southern District of Georgia for the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024. This appointment is part of the Justice Department's nationwide Election Day Program.

The DEO will oversee complaints related to voting rights, threats against election officials, and election fraud, working with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election," said U.S. Attorney Steinberg.

The Department of Justice plays a crucial role in addressing discrimination at polling stations, threats against officials, and election fraud. The Election Day Program aims to ensure public confidence by providing local contact points for reporting federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against crimes such as threatening violence towards election staff, voter intimidation or bribery, vote buying or selling, impersonation of voters, altering votes, ballot stuffing, and unauthorized marking of ballots. It also safeguards voters' rights to mark their own ballots or receive assistance if needed due to disability or language barriers.

"The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy," Steinberg emphasized. She noted that the DEO will be available during polling hours for responding to voting rights concerns and directing them appropriately. The DEO can be contacted at 912-652-4422.

Additionally, FBI special agents across the country will address allegations of election fraud on election day. The local FBI field office is reachable at 770-216-3000. Complaints about federal voting rights violations can also be submitted directly to the Civil Rights Division via their website or by calling 800-253-3931.

Steinberg urged citizens with information about voting issues to report it: "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate."

In cases involving violence or intimidation at polling places, contacting local authorities through 911 is advised before reaching out to federal agencies.