PHX Reporter

United States Attorney Gary M. Restaino has announced that Assistant United States Attorney Sean Lokey will oversee the Justice Department’s Election Day Program in Arizona for the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024. Lokey, who has held this position since the 2020 election cycle, will manage complaints related to voting rights concerns, threats of violence against election officials or staff, and election fraud in collaboration with the Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

Restaino emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure a smooth electoral process: “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." He acknowledged the efforts of federal partners working alongside state and local law enforcement and other organizations such as All Voting is Local, the Arizona State Bar, and the Arizona Prosecuting Attorney’s Advisory Council.

The Department of Justice plays a critical role in addressing discrimination and intimidation at polling places as well as election fraud. Federal laws protect against crimes such as threatening violence towards election officials or staff, voter intimidation or bribery, vote buying or selling, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots without voter consent. The Voting Rights Act also safeguards voters' rights to mark their own ballots or receive assistance if needed due to disability or language barriers.

“Democracy demands action to protect voters’ rights,” stated U.S. Attorney Restaino. He affirmed that AUSA/DEO Lokey would be available during polling hours for reporting voting rights concerns at 602-514-7516.

Additionally, special agents from the FBI will be present nationwide to address allegations of election fraud on Election Day. The public can contact the local FBI field office by phone at 623-466-1999 or online at https://tips.fbi.gov/. Complaints regarding federal voting rights violations can also be directed to the Civil Rights Division in Washington D.C., by phone at 800-253-3931 or via complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.

Restaino urged citizens to report any barriers to voting rights or specific instances of voter fraud: “Ensuring free and fair elections takes a commitment from all Americans.” In cases involving violence or intimidation at polling places, he advised contacting local authorities immediately by calling 911 before reaching out to federal authorities.