DOJ has geared up for election day.  A press release talks of a July 2008 training symposium, and also told of the work of the civil rights division to minimize voter fraud. It states that "[o]n Nov. 4, 2008, under the programs implemented by the Civil Rights and Criminal Divisions, the Department will be working hard to ensure fair access for the nation’s voters and to uphold the integrity of the nation’s democratic electoral process." This release is more important than ever, as perceptions of neutrality are important, especially in the aftermath of a politicized DOJ Honors Program and job hiring.

The Civil Rights Division has selected to monitor 23 states, but their release does not state which ones other than to say that "[i]n identifying locations where federal monitors may be needed, the Civil Rights Division has already sought out the views of many organizations, including non-governmental organizations as well as state and local officials."  Additionally, the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are monitoring voting on this election day.  The press release notes that "[v]oter fraud complaints may be directed to any of the local U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the local FBI offices or the Public Integrity Section (202-514-1412)."    

Here is a sampling of what some of the individual U.S. Attorney Office are doing:

DOJ Press Release, Justice Department to Monitor Primary Elections in Louisiana

DOJ Press Release, Justice Department to Monitor Elections in Alabama

DOJ Press Release, Justice Department Files Suit Against Vermont, Secretary of State Markowitz for Noncompliance with Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act

DOJ Press Release, Justice Department Announces Agreement with Waller County, Texas, to Remedy Alleged Violations of Voting Rights Statutes 

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