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How to report complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses on election day

How to report complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses on election day
Posted at 2:54 PM, Oct 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-25 15:00:56-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- With a state police investigation underway into potential voter fraud in Indiana, the integrity of the upcoming election is of utmost concern to voters and federal officials.

On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler announced his office will lead the Justice Department's effort in the Southern District of Indiana to oversee handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses for the November 8 general election.

"Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process," said Minkler. 

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Federal law protects voters from intimidation or harassment when they cast their ballots. It also protects them against crimes, such as:

  • Intimidation or bribery
  • Buying and selling votes
  • Impersonating voters
  • Altering vote tallies
  • Stuffing ballot boxes 
  • Marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input

In addition to deterring fraud and discrimination at the polls, the Justice Department also provides local contacts for people to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations on election day.

"Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division," said Minkler.

There are several ways people can report fraud and other election abuses on election day: