Idaho prepares to enforce federal voting laws for upcoming election

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The state of Idaho is preparing to help enforce voting laws and regulations for Election Day.

Multiple assistant attorneys from Idaho will assist the office of U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit in enforcing the Department of Justice’s Election Day Program, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho.

The attorneys will act as District Election Officers for the District of Idaho and will oversee complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence and election fraud.

“The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy,” Hurwit said. “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. We will be prepared to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election.”

The Department of Justice is responsible for combatting election interference, enforcing voter rights laws and ensuring public confidence in the electoral process, according to the office.

“Every eligible citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” Hurwit said. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The FBI will have special agents in place at field offices nationwide to investigate election violation allegations, according to the office. The Salt Lake City FBI field office will cover Idaho.

Complaints about possible violations of voting rights laws can be sent to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho at (208) 334-1211 or to the U.S. Department of Justice at (800) 253-3931.

In case of violent crime or intimidation, Hurwit’s office urged the public to call 911 before contacting federal authorities.