Central Nova News

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has announced its team to oversee election-related concerns for the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Harvey, Avi Panth, and Anthony Mozzi will serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) and are tasked with managing complaints related to voting rights issues, threats against election officials or staff, and potential election fraud.

U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber emphasized the importance of a fair electoral process: “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” she stated. Aber also highlighted the necessity for election officials to work without facing unlawful threats.

The Department of Justice plays a crucial role in addressing voter intimidation, violence threats against poll workers, and fraud during elections. The Election Day Program aims to ensure public confidence by providing local contacts for reporting federal election law violations.

Federal laws protect voters from crimes such as intimidation or bribery, altering vote counts, ballot stuffing, and unauthorized marking of ballots. The Voting Rights Act further safeguards voters' rights to cast their ballots independently or with assistance if needed due to disability or language barriers.

“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy,” Aber noted. She stressed the need for those entitled to vote to exercise their right freely while ensuring accountability for any attempts at corruption.

To facilitate reporting on election day, contact details for DEOs are provided: Jordan Harvey can be reached at 703-299-3700 for Northern Virginia; Anthony Mozzi at 757-441-6331 for the Tidewater region; and Avi Panth at 804-819-5400 for the Central Capitol region.

Additionally, FBI agents will be available nationwide to handle allegations of electoral misconduct. The FBI field offices in Virginia are reachable at Washington Field Office (202-278-2000), Richmond Field Office (804-261-1044), and Norfolk Field Office (757-455-0100).

Complaints about federal voting rights violations can also be submitted directly to the Civil Rights Division via https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by calling 800-253-3931.

Aber encouraged public participation: “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.” She urged individuals with specific information about voting issues or fraud to report it promptly.

In emergencies involving violence or intimidation at polling places, contacting local authorities through 911 is advised before reaching out to federal agencies due to quicker response times by state and local police.