Greensboro Reporter

United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina announced the appointment of Assistant United States Attorney JoAnna McFadden as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the upcoming November 5, 2024 general election. McFadden will oversee election day complaints related to voting rights concerns, threats against election officials or staff, and potential election fraud.

Hairston emphasized the importance of maintaining free and fair elections: “Free and fair elections require that every eligible citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination, and election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.” She reiterated the Justice Department's commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process.

The Department of Justice plays a crucial role in addressing discrimination, intimidation at polling stations, threats against election workers, and fraud. Their Election Day Program aims to uphold these objectives while ensuring public trust by providing local contacts for reporting federal election law violations.

Federal laws protect against crimes such as voter intimidation, bribery, vote buying or selling, impersonation at polls, altering results, ballot stuffing, and unauthorized ballot marking. The Voting Rights Act also safeguards voters' rights to mark their own ballots or receive assistance when necessary due to disability or language barriers.

On election day, AUSA/DEO McFadden will be available during polling hours for any complaints within her district at 336-332-6362. The FBI will also have agents ready nationwide for reports on election-related issues; they can be reached locally at (704) 672-6100 by asking for an Election Crimes Coordinator.

Concerns about federal voting rights violations can be directed to the Civil Rights Division in Washington D.C., either via their website at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

Hairston highlighted public involvement: “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

In urgent situations involving violence or intimidation at polling places, individuals are advised first to contact local authorities by calling 911 before reaching out to federal agencies since state and local police usually have quicker response capabilities.