The U.S. Department of Justice will monitor five Alaskan boroughs and census areas during Tuesday’s election to ensure compliance with federal voting laws. The DOJ monitors Alaska elections efforts including the North Slope Borough, Northwest Arctic Borough, Kusilvak Census Area, Bethel Census Area, and Dillingham Census Area.
Justice Department personnel will contact state and local election officials throughout Election Day. The DOJ’s civil rights, criminal, and national security divisions will take an active role in monitoring.
Protecting the right to vote is essential to maintaining confidence in America’s democratic system. The DOJ enforces federal statutes like the Voting Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In 2020, 44 jurisdictions in 18 states were monitored. Whereas, this year’s effort marks a significant expansion. In 2016, the DOJ sent about 500 personnel to 67 jurisdictions in 28 states, including Alaska.
Call 911 to report disruptions at polling places immediately to local election officials and authorities. The Civil Rights Division will receive questions, comments, and complaints related to potential voting rights law violations.
To submit concerns or file a report, visit the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division website or call (800) 253-3932. For ADA-specific concerns, contact the DOJ’s ADA Information hotline.
Approximately 610,000 registered Alaskan voters can cast ballots in person on General Election Day, November 5, 2024, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The DOJ’s monitoring effort safeguards the electoral process. The department ensures Alaskans’ right to vote is under protection by actively enforcing compliance with federal voting rights laws. The DOJ monitors Alaska elections to preserve democracy’s integrity.
This news article was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
