Experienced federal prosecutor assigned to oversee Election Day allegations in Arizona
Oct 18, 2024, 10:43 AM

Law enforcement personnel watch over a ballot drop box in Phoenix on Nov. 7, 2022, the day before the midterm general election. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
PHOENIX — Officials have assigned an experienced federal prosecutor to oversee the Department of Justice’s Election Day operations in Arizona.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Lokey will again be in charge of how the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona responds to issues related to the Nov. 5 general election.
In consultation with Justice Department officials in Washington, Lokey will monitor allegations of voting rights violations, election fraud and threats of violence directed at election officials or staff.
Lokey has served as the District of Arizona election officer since the 2020 election cycle.
Members of the public can reach Lokey at 602-514-7516 while the polls are open on Election Day.
“Ensuring free and fair elections takes a commitment from all Americans,” U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino said in a press release Wednesday. “It is important that those who have knowledge about barriers to voting rights or of specific instances of fraud by individual voters make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
More oversight of Election Day complaints in Arizona
The federal plans for protecting voting rights also include having FBI agents ready to field complaints and take action, if needed, on Nov. 5. Election fraud and abuse complaints can be made to the FBI Phoenix office at 623-466-1999 or the bureau’s web portal for tips.
Another way to report possible violations of federal voting rights laws is through the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division at 800-253-3931 or its online complaint form.
If there is an emergency situation, members of the public should call 911.
“It takes a village to ensure that every eligible voter can cast a ballot easily and efficiently, without interference or discrimination, and with confidence their vote will be counted,” Restaino said.