COLUMBIA, S.C. — United States Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs announced that, on election day Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) John Potterfield will lead the efforts of her office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 5th general election.
AUSA Potterfield has received the designation of District Election Day Officer (DEO) for the District of South Carolina. As DEO, AUSA Potterfield is entrusted with the task of supervising the management of election-related grievances pertaining to voting rights, instances of violence or threats towards election officials or staff, and cases of election fraud within the district.
This responsibility includes close coordination with the Justice Department Headquarters based in Washington during and after the election day of November 5th.
Election Day is November 5th
United States Attorney Boroughs said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice plays a vital role in preventing and fighting against acts of discrimination and intimidation during elections, as well as threats of violence targeting election officials and poll workers, and instances of election fraud.
The Department is committed to addressing these violations regardless of where they take place on election day. To bolster public trust in the electoral process, the Department’s longstanding Election Day Program not only advances these objectives but also establishes local channels within the Department for individuals to report potential violations of federal election laws.
Federal legislation provides safeguards against various offenses including but not limited to: making threats of violence towards election officials or staff, engaging in voter intimidation or bribery, engaging in vote buying or selling, impersonating voters, tampering with vote counts, engaging in ballot stuffing, and marking ballots in a manner contrary to the voter’s wishes or without their consent.
The document also includes specific safeguards to ensure the rights of voters are protected on election day. It guarantees that individuals can cast their votes without any form of interference, such as intimidation or attempts to hinder or discourage their participation or support for a specific candidate. Additionally, the Voting Rights Act safeguards the right of voters to independently mark their own ballots or seek assistance from a person they choose, especially in cases where assistance is needed due to disability or inability to read or write in English.
United States Attorney Boroughs stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Potterfield will be on duty in this district while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 803-919-3092.”
On election day, the FBI will have special agents stationed in every field office and resident agency across the nation to accept reports of election fraud and other election-related misconduct. For public contact with the FBI Columbia field office, please dial 803-551-4200.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Boroughs said, “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 the event of a violent or intimidating crime, it is important to call 911 immediately and prioritize contacting local law enforcement before reaching out to federal authorities. State and local police hold primary authority over polling places on election day and typically have a quicker response time during emergencies.
