Federal Prosecutors Outline Voter Protection Plan, Complaint Hotline Ahead of Nov. 3 Election (Chicago, IL) — Federal prosecutors are urging residents to report voter intimidation, suspected election fraud and threats against election workers as part of a coordinated effort to protect voting rights during the Nov. 3 general election.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois announced the plan Tuesday, Oct. 27, in coordination with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The initiative is part of a nationwide effort to enforce federal election laws and ensure voters can cast their ballots without interference.
“Voters must be able to cast their ballots without interference or intimidation, and to have their vote counted in a free, fair, and honest election,” U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros said in a statement.
People who witness or have direct knowledge of potential election fraud, voter intimidation or other unlawful voting activity in the district can call 312-469-6157. Assistant U.S. attorneys and other staff will monitor the hotline and respond to complaints.
The protections extend to both voters and the people responsible for administering elections. Federal authorities identified voter impersonation, altered vote tallies, discrimination and intimidation at polling places, and threats of violence against election officials and poll workers among the conduct covered by federal law.
Violations can carry prison sentences and financial penalties, depending on the offense.
The Northern District of Illinois encompasses 18 counties, with federal prosecutors working from offices in Chicago and Rockford.
Residents also can submit complaints directly to the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division by calling 855-856-1247 or using its online reporting form.
The form does not require a name or contact information. However, the department notes that it cannot contact a person for follow-up information or status updates if no contact details are provided.
“The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process and ensure that the November General Election is unmarred by fraud, error, or suspicion,” Boutros said.
Illinois polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Residents seeking polling locations and other voting information can visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website or call 312-814-6440.
Additional information about federal election enforcement is available through the Justice Department’s election integrity website.
Federal Prosecutors Outline Voter Protection Plan, Complaint Hotline Ahead of Nov. 3 Election
