As the November 5 general election approaches, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno to oversee election integrity efforts across the Western District of New York. Ross made the announcement Friday, underscoring the Justice Department’s commitment to a secure and fair voting process.
Bonanno, named District Election Officer (DEO), will handle complaints related to voting rights, threats of violence toward election workers, and potential election fraud. He will coordinate with the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., to ensure prompt and effective responses to any reported issues.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination, and every vote must be counted in a fair and free election,” Ross stated. “Likewise, election officials must be able to work without facing unlawful threats of violence. The Justice Department is dedicated to protecting the integrity of the election process.”
The Justice Department’s Election Day Program plays a critical role in preventing voter intimidation, discrimination, and election fraud. Through local points of contact like Bonanno, the program encourages public reporting of suspected federal election law violations, aiming to foster trust and transparency in the electoral system.
Federal law safeguards against a range of offenses, including intimidation, vote buying, impersonation, vote tampering, and the manipulation of ballots. Voters also have specific protections under the Voting Rights Act, which guarantees assistance for those needing help due to disability or language barriers.
Ross reiterated the importance of the election process, calling it the “cornerstone of American democracy.” She emphasized the need for public involvement in reporting concerns to maintain election integrity. On election day, Bonanno will be available during polling hours at 716-843-5700 to respond to complaints and inquiries.
Additionally, the FBI will have agents on standby at its field offices, ready to investigate any reports of election-related misconduct. The local FBI field office in Buffalo can be reached at 716-856-7800. The public can also contact the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., either online at civilrights.justice.gov or by phone at 800-253-3931, to report federal voting rights violations.
Ross urged voters to be vigilant and proactive, stressing that the public’s assistance is vital in maintaining free and fair elections. However, she cautioned that in cases of immediate threats or violence, individuals should contact 911 first, as state and local authorities are better positioned to respond quickly to emergencies at polling sites.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.