Protecting the Right to Vote and Prosecuting Ballot Fraud

JACKSON, MS—In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 2, 2010, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Donald R. Burkhalter stated that District Election Officer, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst will be on duty in this district while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at 601-965-4480 or 601-973-2880.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The Jackson FBI Field Office can be reached by the public at 601-948-5000.

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division staff will be available at special toll-free numbers to receive complaints related to ballot access (1-800-253-3931) (TTY line 1-877- 267-8971). In addition, individuals can report complaints, problems, or concerns related to voting via the Internet. Forms may be submitted through a link on the department’s web page: www.justice.gov. The Department’s Criminal Division oversees the enforcement of federal laws that criminalize voter fraud and protect the integrity of the federal election process. The Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are responsible for enforcing the federal criminal laws that prohibit various forms of election fraud, such as vote buying, multiple voting, submission of fraudulent ballots or registrations, destruction of ballots or registrations, voter intimidation, alteration of votes and malfeasance by election officials, as well as federal civil law prohibiting voter intimidation that does not involve discrimination or intimidation on grounds of race or color.