Justice Dept. Will Have Eyes On Florida On Election Day
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The Justice Department will monitor polls in 28 states, including Florida, on election day, officials said Monday.
The department said it plans to deploy more than 500 personnel to 67 jurisdictions in those states for the November 8th general election.
Election Day: What You Need To Know Before Voting
In Florida, Department of Justice (DOJ) officials will be in Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, Hillsborough County, Lee County and Orange County.
While state and local governments carry the main responsibility for administering elections, the DOJ's civil rights division is in charge of enforcing federal voting rights laws meant to protect citizens' access to the ballot on election day.
"The bedrock of our democracy is the right to vote, and the Department of Justice works tirelessly to uphold that right not only on Election Day, but every day," said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. "We enforce federal statutes related to voting through a range of activities – including filing our own litigation when the facts warrant, submitting statements of interest in private lawsuits to help explain our understanding of these laws, and providing guidance to election officials and the general public about what these laws mean and what they require. "
This is not the first time this has happened. Since the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed, the department has monitored elections.
Those wanting to file complaints related to possible voting violations can call 1-800-253-3931 or fill out a complaint form here.
Click here to read more about Campaign 2016.
BALLOT BREAKDOWN | Election 101 | Solar Energy | Medical Marijuana | Broward Penny Sales Tax | Amendments Recap | GMO Mosquitoes | Doral Mayoral Race | Hollywood Mayoral Race | Miami-Dade Mayoral Race | Miami Lakes Mayoral Race | Palmetto Vice Mayor | Florida Senate Race | 26th Congressional District Race | 23rd Congressional District Race | Election Stress Disorder
