United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam has announced that the Justice Department will oversee compliance with federal voting rights laws in Luzerne County during the upcoming general election on November 5. The department is tasked with ensuring all eligible citizens can access the ballot, and it frequently deploys personnel to monitor elections nationwide.
The Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department will lead this initiative, involving coordination with state and local election officials as necessary throughout Election Day. Monitors from the department will be present to ensure adherence to civil rights laws.
The Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division enforces several federal statutes protecting voting rights, including the Voting Rights Act and others related to voter registration and absentee voting. Additionally, the division’s Disability Rights Section ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while its Criminal Section addresses voter intimidation and suppression based on race, color, national origin, or religion.
On Election Day, personnel from the Civil Rights Division will be available to address public questions and complaints about potential violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports can be submitted via www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling 800-253-3931. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also handle complaints through its District Election Officers: Michael Consiglio in Harrisburg at 717-221-4482; James Buchanan in Scranton at 570-348-2800; and Geoffrey MacArthur in Williamsport at 570-326-1935.
For ADA-related inquiries or complaints, individuals may contact the ADA hotline at 800-514-0301 or submit a complaint through www.ada.gov.
Any disruptions at polling places should first be reported to local election officials and any incidents involving violence or intimidation should be reported immediately to police by calling 911 before notifying the department.
Further information on voting rights and elections is available at www.justice.gov/voting, where resources and guidance documents can also be found.
Complaints regarding possible violations of federal voting rights laws may also be directed to the Civil Rights Division in Washington D.C., either online or by phone at 800-253-3931.
