TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Pima County is among 64 jurisdictions nationwide where the U.S. Justice Department plans to monitor polling places for Voting Rights Act compliance for the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election.
The Justice Department says its Civil Rights Division has regularly monitored elections since the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965 to enforce federal laws related to ballot access.
The Civil Rights Division is also responsible for ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), in addition to enforcing laws prohibiting voter intimidation and voter suppression.
Monitors from the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices will be available on Election Day in the following counties:
- Maricopa County
- Navajo County
- Pima County
- Pinal County
- Yavapai County
Instances of potential violations of federal voting rights laws from any county can be reported on Election Day to the Justice Department's website at civilrights.justice.gov or toll-free to (800) 253-3931.
Questions or complaints related to ADA concerns can be reported online at www.ada.gov or (800) 514-0301 or (833) 610-1264 (TTY).
The Justice Department says to report any polling place disruptions immediately to local elections officials—that includes officials at the polling place.
For instances related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place, the Justice Department says to call 911.
Additional Election Day resources:
- Tracking your ballot from the polls to the tabulation room
- What if I experience difficulty voting? Who can I call?
- Can I take a selfie with my ballot?
- FBI outlines what constitutes a federal election crime
- Navigating and managing potential voter intimidation and other challenges at polls
- Federal judge in Phoenix to issue temporary restraining order against ballot 'watchers'
——
Anne Simmons is the digital executive producer for KGUN 9. Anne got her start in television while still a student at the University of Arizona. Before joining KGUN, she managed multiple public access television stations in the Bay Area and has worked as a video producer in the non-profit sector. Share your story ideas and important issues with Anne by emailing anne.simmons@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.