Cleveland Reporter

United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko has announced the appointment of two Assistant United States Attorneys as District Election Officers for the Northern District of Ohio. Megan R. Miller and Ava R. Dustin will lead efforts to implement the Justice Department's Election Day Program during the upcoming general elections on November 5, 2024.

These officers will handle complaints related to Election Day in collaboration with various divisions of the Justice Department based in Washington, D.C. The Northern District of Ohio encompasses 40 counties, with AUSA Miller overseeing the Northeastern region and AUSA Dustin managing the Northwestern area.

Federal laws are in place to protect against election-related offenses such as voter intimidation, bribery, vote tampering, and other illegal activities that may interfere with fair voting processes. The Voting Rights Act further ensures that voters can cast their ballots freely without undue influence or discrimination.

"The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy," stated U.S. Attorney Lutzko. "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination, and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election."

The Department's Election Day Program aims to uphold public confidence by offering local contact points for reporting potential violations of federal election laws.

On Election Day, AUSAs Miller and Dustin will be available to address voting rights concerns or fraudulent activity reports. They can be reached at specific phone numbers provided for each region.

Additionally, Special Agent Nicole Long serves as the Election Crime Coordinator for Cleveland Field Office, ready to receive fraud allegations on Election Day. Complaints about federal voting rights violations can also be directed to the Civil Rights Division in Washington.

In emergencies involving violence or intimidation at polling places, individuals are advised to contact local law enforcement before reaching out to federal authorities due to their primary jurisdiction over these locations.