DOJ Deploys Election Monitors Across Massachusetts to Safeguard Voting Rights on Election Day
November 5, 2024This monitoring effort is part of a broader initiative where the DOJ will oversee polling locations in 86 jurisdictions across 27 states during the general election.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy emphasized the significance of this program in combating discrimination at the polls and ensuring that every citizen can vote without interference.
Massachusetts State Secretary Bill Galvin highlighted that this monitoring is crucial for facilitating a smooth voting process, especially with a record turnout anticipated after nearly 3.7 million votes were cast in 2020.
The DOJ's Civil Rights Division is responsible for enforcing these laws, which also include protections for individuals with disabilities and against voter intimidation.
Concerns or complaints regarding voting rights can be reported to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston or the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C.
Election monitors, who are lawyers from the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, will be present on Election Day to address public questions and complaints regarding potential violations.
On November 5, 2024, Election Day, the U.S. Department of Justice is deploying election monitors to eight Massachusetts cities, including Quincy, to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws.
The Voting Rights Act protects citizens from practices that restrict voting based on race, color, or language minority status, ensuring free and private voting.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anuj Khetarpal has been appointed as the voting rights coordinator for Massachusetts, overseeing the monitoring efforts on Election Day.
The national monitoring efforts will involve various divisions of the DOJ, ensuring effective communication with state and local election officials.
For issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals can reach out to the department's ADA hotline or submit complaints online.
Voters are encouraged to report any disruptions at polling places to local election officials, while threats of violence should be reported immediately to local police.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources
Boston Herald • Nov 5, 2024
8 Massachusetts cities will be monitored for compliance with federal voting rights lawsNBC10 Boston • Nov 5, 2024
Security at Massachusetts polling placesNBC10 Boston • Nov 2, 2024
Justice Department to monitor polls in MassachusettsThe Patriot Ledger • Nov 5, 2024
Federal poll observers in Quincy and 7 other cities on Election Day