Sacramento Standard

U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Khasigian as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of California for the upcoming November 5 general election. This appointment is part of the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program aimed at overseeing complaints related to voting rights, threats against election officials, and election fraud.

The Eastern District covers 34 counties including Sacramento, Fresno, and Solano among others. The DEO will coordinate with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, DC to manage any issues that arise on Election Day.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” stated U.S. Attorney Talbert. He emphasized the importance of protecting election officials from unlawful threats of violence.

The Department of Justice plays a crucial role in preventing discrimination and intimidation at polling places, addressing threats against election workers, and combating election fraud. The longstanding Election Day Program aims to uphold public confidence by providing local contacts for reporting potential federal election law violations.

Federal laws protect against crimes such as threatening violence towards election staff, voter intimidation or bribery, vote buying or selling, impersonating voters, altering vote counts, ballot box stuffing, and marking ballots without voter consent. Special protections under the Voting Rights Act ensure voters can mark their own ballots or receive assistance if needed due to disability or language barriers.

AUSA/DEO Khasigian will be available during polling hours to address complaints related to voting rights concerns and election fraud within the district. He can be contacted at 916-554-2723.

U.S. Attorney Talbert remarked on the significance of safeguarding voting rights: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.” He urged those with information about voting issues or fraud to report it to the Department of Justice.

Additionally, FBI special agents will be on standby across field offices nationwide to handle allegations of electoral misconduct on Election Day. The local FBI office can be reached at 916-746-7000.

Complaints regarding federal voting rights violations can also be submitted directly to the Civil Rights Division via their website or by calling 800-253-3931. In emergencies involving violence or intimidation at polling sites, individuals are advised to contact local authorities immediately by dialing 911 before reaching out to federal agencies.