United States Attorney Appoints District Election Officer to Respond to Any Allegations of Election Fraud or Abuse
Federal Prosecutors and Agents Will Work with State Authorities

BALTIMORE, MD—United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Kelly Kowitz has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for Maryland in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the November 2, 2010 general election. AUSA Kowitz is responsible for overseeing the federal response to any complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with state authorities, the FBI and Justice Department headquarters.

United States Attorney Rosenstein said, “Fair elections are the foundation of American government. Anyone who has specific information about discrimination or election fraud should notify the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, or the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. We will review any allegations of wrongdoing in a nonpartisan manner, consult with state authorities where appropriate and pursue any evidence that warrants criminal prosecution.”

The Justice Department’s longstanding Election Day Program seeks to deter election fraud and discrimination and promote public confidence in the integrity of the election process by encouraging citizens to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations.

The FBI will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses during the election. They can be reached at 410-265-8080.

Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination also can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington at 800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767.

District Election Officer Kowitz can be reached during the election at 410-209-4800.