DOJ to monitor general election for voting rights in 5 Arizona counties
Nov 7, 2022, 4:00 PM
A voter uses a drop box at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center on Nov. 7, 2022, in Phoenix. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
PHOENIX – The Department of Justice said Monday it will monitor Tuesday’s elections in five Arizona counties, including Maricopa, for compliance with federal voting rights laws.
The DOJ said its Civil Rights Division, which enforces federal voting rights laws, will deploy monitors to 64 jurisdictions nationwide, including Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, Pinal and Yavapai counties.
The DOJ didn’t say why the jurisdictions were selected, but the department has previously expressed concerns about potential voter intimidation by people watching ballot boxes in Arizona, sometimes armed or wearing ballistic vests.
“Since the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Civil Rights Division has regularly monitored elections in the field in jurisdictions around the country to protect the rights of voters,” the DOJ said in a press release.
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“The Civil Rights Division will also take complaints from the public nationwide regarding possible violations of the federal voting rights laws through its call center.”
The public can file voter rights complaints on Election Day by calling 800-253-3931. The DOJ also has an online system for reporting civil rights violations.
The DOJ said voters who experience violence, threats of violence or intimidation at polling places should alert local law enforcement by calling 911.
Last month, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Lokey was appointed to oversee the District of Arizona’s response to Election Day complaints about voting rights, threats and election fraud.
Lokey held the same role for Arizona’s primary elections in August.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
