PHOENIX (LAWFUEL) – United States Attorney Diane J. Humetewa has announced that Raymond K. Woo, an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Arizona, will lead this office’s efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 4, 2008 general elections. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Woo has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the District of Arizona and, in that capacity, is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters.
The goals of the Election Day Program are to deter voter intimidation, voter suppression, voter discrimination and election fraud and to prosecute these offenses. Ensuring that voter integrity and ballot access are protected is an essential responsibility because the right to vote represents the foundation of American democracy. This program also promotes public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local contacts within the Justice Department where the public can report possible election fraud and voter rights violations while the polls are open on election day. Through this program, the Justice Department seeks to ensure that those who are entitled to vote exercise their right, while those who seek to corrupt the process are brought to justice.
U.S. Attorney Diane J. Humetewa said, “Election fraud and voting rights abuses undermine the rights of honest voters to have their voices heard. When fraud or abuse is detected, it will be dealt with promptly and aggressively. Anyone who has information about electoral corruption or voting rights abuses should make that information available immediately to my office, the FBI or the Civil Rights Division.”
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 4, 2008, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA Rachel Hernandez and AUSA Woo will be on duty in the District of Arizona while the polls are open. To report such an election related complaint, the public can contact AUSA Hernandez at (602) 514-7699 or AUSA Woo at (602) 514-7736 on election day. You can also reach them via the main switchboard at (602) 514-7500 or toll free at 1-800-800-2570.
The FBI will also have Special Agents available in Arizona to receive allegations of election fraud, intimidation, suppression and other election abuses. To report such a complaint, contact Special Agent Karalee Smith at (602) 279-5511or Special Agent Adam Radtke at (520) 623-4306.
Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C. at 202-307-2767 or toll free at 1-800-253-3931. Where voter intimidation or suppression tactics target voters on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin, please contact the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section at 202-514-3204.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2008-279(Nov 2008 Election Program)(re-send)
