District Election Officer Appointed

United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Christopher P. Tenorio will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 2, 2010 general elections. AUSA Tenorio has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the Southern District of California, which includes San Diego and Imperial Counties. He will be responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

United States Attorney Duffy said, “To ensure that every citizen can vote without interference or discrimination, and free of fraud, the Department of Justice will do everything within its power to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice established the Ballot Access and Voting Integrity Initiative in 2002 to deter and prosecute election fraud and discrimination occurring at the polls. The Department also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations. United States Attorney Duffy stated that AUSA Tenorio will be on duty while the polls are open on Election Day. He can be reached during business hours at (619) 557-7843, and after business hours at (619) 847-6653.

In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud, intimidation, suppression of votes, and other election abuses. The FBI can be reached at (858) 565-1255.

Complaints may also be made directly to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, Voting Section in Washington, D.C. at (800) 253-3931 or TTY line (877) 267-8971.

United States Attorney Duffy said, “The effectiveness of our Election Day Program depends in large part on the vigilance and cooperation of the voters. Anyone with specific information about discrimination or election fraud should report that information immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”