TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Both the U.S. Attorney's Office in Arizona and Arizona Attorney General General Mark Brnovich are addressing concerns of voter intimidation leading up to the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Arizona says that reports of voter intimidation are being monitored both federally and within the state, through partnerships with local, county and state officials.
As the several election threat-related cases pending federal felony charges from alleged criminal activity arising out of our State show, acts which cross the line will not go unaddressed.
We have a long history of civil dialogue and civic engagement here in Arizona, and we will vigorously safeguard all Arizonans’ rights to freely and lawfully cast their ballot during the election.
~ U.S. Attorney’s Office | District of Arizona
Reports of armed 'ballot watchers' in Maricopa County have prompted complaints to state elections officials, which the Arizona Secretary of State's office has reported to the FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ).
Brnovich too released a statement in response to the reports of armed people staging encounters with voters delivering ballots to drop-off boxes.
“Any form of voter intimidation is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Brnovich said. “Regardless of intent, this type of misguided behavior is contrary to both the laws and values of our state.”
The AG says the public can file complaints with his office, but should also report instances of voter intimidation to local police. In the event people feel there is immediate danger, they should call 911.
In a statement released Wednesday, Oct. 26, the DOJ said it will "ensure that all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted free of discrimination, intimidation, or fraud in the election process, and to ensure that our elections are secure and free from foreign malign influence and interference."
Monitoring poll access and election security is handled through multiple divisions within the DOJ:
- Civil Rights Division - ensures enforcement of laws intended to prevent voter discrimination, such as the Voting Rights Act
- Criminal Division - oversees enforcement of federal laws that criminalize election fraud
- National Security Division - supervises cases as they related to national security, including foreign interference or 'extremist' threats
Read the full text of the DOJ statement at the Justice Department's website.
——
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.