The Justice Department will scrutinize elections in several Georgia counties

ATLANTA – The US Department of Justice announced Friday that it will monitor voting procedures in several Georgia counties during the upcoming Nov. 5 general election. Federal officials will monitor compliance with voting rights laws in Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett and Macon-Bibb counties. ensure fair elections.

“Free and fair elections are critical to our nation’s democracy,” said US Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan of the Northern District of Georgia. “Every eligible voter has the right to vote without fear of intimidation, interference or discrimination. Our office will commit the necessary resources to ensure that this fundamental right is protected for all voters.”

U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary of the Middle District of Georgia reiterated his commitment to protecting the rights of voters in Macon-Bibb County, which will also be monitored.

The Department of Justice regularly sends staff to monitor elections for compliance with federal civil rights laws. This year, the effort will be coordinated by the department’s Civil Rights Division, which will include staff on the ground and communicating with state and local election officials as needed during Election Day.

The Voting Division of the Division of Civil Rights enforces federal laws that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, the Uniform and Abroad Voting Act, and the Civil Rights Acts. The department’s Disability Rights Division provides voting access for people with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Criminal Division enforces federal laws that prohibit voter intimidation and suppression based on race, color, national origin, or religion.

On Election Day, the public can report potential violations of federal voting rights laws through Website of the Ministry of Justice or by calling toll free at 800-253-3931. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia can also receive complaints at 404-581-6001 and the Middle District Office at 478-621-2698.

With questions or complaints related to the ADA, individuals may contact the ADA’s toll-free information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or file a complaint through ADA website.

Election-related disruptions should be reported to local election officials, including at polling stations. Incidents involving violence, threats, or intimidation should be reported immediately to the local police by calling 911 and then to the Department of Justice.

Comprehensive resources and guidance on voting and federal election laws are available at www.justice.gov/voting and www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.