The Department of Justice takes unprecedented steps to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming election.
According to Fox News, the Justice Department is deploying district elections officers across the nation to address potential threats and intimidation at polling places.
Working in conjunction with the Election Threats Task Force, established in June 2021 by Attorney General Merrick Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, these officers will serve as local points of contact for reporting possible federal election law violations.
The district elections officers will collaborate with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to address election-related complaints efficiently. Their responsibilities include overseeing their district's handling of concerns about voting rights, threats of violence against election officials or staff, and instances of election fraud.
This initiative is part of the Justice Department's longstanding Election Day Program, which aims to bolster public confidence in the electoral process. By providing local points of contact within the Department, citizens can easily report potential federal election law violations.
The Election Threats Task Force, since its inception, has been actively engaging with the election community and law enforcement at various levels. Its primary focus has been assessing and responding to allegations and reports of threats against election workers.
In a recent public meeting of the task force, Garland emphasized the severity of the situation, stating:
These cases are a warning: if you threaten to harm or kill an election worker or official or volunteer, the Justice Department will find you. And we will hold you accountable.
Since its establishment, the Election Threats Task Force has made significant strides in addressing threats to election workers. The DOJ has charged nearly two dozen individuals related to alleged threats against election workers, demonstrating the task force's effectiveness.
Recent cases handled by the task force include charges against individuals for alleged shooting sprees targeting elected officials and candidates, as well as for sending threatening communications to election officials. These cases serve as concrete examples of the DOJ's commitment to protecting the electoral process and those who facilitate it.
Looking ahead to the November 5 Election Day, Garland announced that the DOJ will continue to build on its work. This includes conducting on-the-ground meetings with election workers across the nation to address their concerns and provide support.
In early November, the FBI will host federal partners at its headquarters to address events, issues, and potential crimes related to the elections. This collaborative approach highlights the comprehensive strategy being employed to ensure election security.
Garland emphasized the support available to election officials and administrators, stating that they do not need to navigate the current threat environment alone. The Justice Department's efforts are aimed at ensuring that these crucial workers can safely carry out their vital roles in the democratic process.
The deployment of district elections officers, coupled with the ongoing work of the Election Threats Task Force, represents a significant effort by the DOJ to protect the integrity of the electoral process. By addressing threats and intimidation, the Justice Department aims to ensure that election workers can perform their duties without fear, thereby safeguarding the fundamental principles of American democracy.
