BOSTON – In a significant development for ensuring fair elections, Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, working in tandem with the Department of Justice, will closely monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws across eight key cities in Massachusetts. This announcement comes as part of a nationwide initiative, where the Justice Department revealed plans to oversee 86 jurisdictions spanning 27 states in preparation for the critical Nov. 5 general election.
Election monitors will be strategically placed at polling locations in Everett, Fitchburg, Leominster, Lowell, Malden, Methuen, Quincy, and Salem, ensuring vigilant oversight on Election Day. Leading this critical monitoring effort is Assistant United States Attorney Anuj Khetarpal, who has been designated as the Voting Rights Coordinator for the District of Massachusetts. On a broader scale, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will ensure cohesive efforts that include monitors not only from the Civil Rights Division but also from various Department divisions, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office previously announced the appointment of a District Election Officer, tasked with managing and overseeing the handling of Election Day-related criminal complaints, threats to election officials or staff, and any cases of election fraud, all while consulting with the Justice Department based in Washington.
The Department’s Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces critical civil provisions of federal statutes that safeguard the right to vote. This includes stringent enforcement of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, and Civil Rights Acts. Meanwhile, the Division’s Disability Rights Section works tirelessly to uphold the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in the electoral process. Additionally, the Division’s Criminal Section diligently enforces federal laws that prohibit voter intimidation and suppression based on race, color, national origin, or religion.
The Voting Rights Act (VRA) explicitly forbids states and local governments from employing voting practices or election rules that deny or limit the voting rights of citizens based on race or color, or which disproportionately affect language minority groups, hindering their ability to vote for their preferred candidates. Moreover, the VRA guarantees voters the right to mark their ballots independently or obtain assistance from a person of their choice if they require help due to a disability or challenges with English literacy.
“The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program is vital to combatting discrimination at the polls and furthering public confidence in the electoral process. Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination. My office is proud to be a part of this important effort to protect the sacrosanct right to vote,” stated Acting United States Attorney Levy.
For individuals wishing to express concerns or file complaints regarding voting rights, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston can be reached at (833) 634-8669. Additionally, complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., via a complaint form or by phone at (800) 253-3931.
For further information on voting and elections, including guidance documents and additional resources, please visit www.justice.gov/voting. To learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other pertinent federal voting laws, explore www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
**Interview with Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy on Election Monitoring in Massachusetts**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. There’s been much anticipation surrounding the upcoming Nov. 5 general election, especially with your office’s recent announcement regarding election monitoring. Can you explain the motivation behind closely monitoring compliance with federal voting rights laws in Massachusetts?
**Levy:** Thank you for having me. The primary motivation is to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote without facing any barriers or intimidation. By monitoring compliance with federal voting rights laws in key cities, we are reinforcing our commitment to protecting the electoral process and ensuring fair elections for all.
**Editor:** What specific actions will the U.S. Attorney’s Office be taking on Election Day in those eight cities?
**Levy:** We will have election monitors placed at polling locations in Everett, Fitchburg, Leominster, Lowell, Malden, Methuen, Quincy, and Salem. These monitors will provide oversight to ensure that voting rights are protected and that federal laws are followed. Additionally, we’ve appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Anuj Khetarpal as the Voting Rights Coordinator, who will lead our efforts in this regard.
**Editor:** It sounds like a comprehensive approach. Could you tell us more about the roles of the District Election Officer and the Civil Rights Division in this initiative?
**Levy:** Certainly. The District Election Officer will manage the handling of any Election Day-related criminal complaints and oversee threats to election officials or staff. They will also collaborate with the Justice Department to address any allegations of election fraud. The Civil Rights Division, on the other hand, is pivotal in enforcing various statutes that safeguard voting rights, such as the Voting Rights Act and the Help America Vote Act. Their involvement ensures that we adhere to our legal obligations while fostering a safe and equitable voting environment.
**Editor:** In light of current national discussions about election integrity, how does this initiative in Massachusetts align with efforts in other states?
**Levy:** This initiative is part of a nationwide effort by the Justice Department to monitor 86 jurisdictions across 27 states. The overarching goal is to create a consistent federal presence to uphold voting rights and ensure compliance with legal standards across the board. It demonstrates our collective commitment to maintaining the integrity of elections, regardless of where they take place.
**Editor:** There have been discussions about accessibility for voters with disabilities. How is the Department of Justice ensuring that these individuals can participate fully in the electoral process?
**Levy:** The Department’s Disability Rights Section is dedicated to upholding the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to partake in elections. This includes working with local election officials to guarantee accessible polling places and providing necessary adjustments to meet legal standards.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insight, Acting U.S. Attorney Levy. As we approach the election, it’s encouraging to see such proactive measures in place.
**Levy:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that voters feel secure in knowing their rights are protected. We are here to ensure that every voice is heard this Election Day.
