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- The Justice Department has appointed a district election officer to oversee election-related complaints such as voting rights concerns, threats of violence, and potential fraud in Utah.
- This appointment comes amid heightened scrutiny on election administration in Utah and other states, following recent incidents like a suspicious letter sent to Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson's office.
SALT LAKE CITY — U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins on Friday announced a district election officer to oversee election-related complaints in Utah, including reports of voting rights concerns, threats of violence and election fraud.
Higgins, the U.S. attorney for the District of Utah, named assistant U.S. attorney Bryan Watson as the district election official. He is tasked with handling election-related concerns in the district in consultation with the U.S. Department of Justice, according to a department news release.
"Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election," Higgins stated. "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."
Justice Department officials enforce federal laws such as the Voting Rights Act, as well as investigate threats against election officials, intimidation or bribery, stuffed ballot boxes and other forms of fraud.
"Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy," Higgins said. "We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote can exercise it if they choose and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice."
Higgens said the public can reach Watson with any concerns at 801-325-3311 but said instances of violence or intimidation should be referred to local police before contacting federal authorities. The FBI will also have special agents in the Salt Lake City field office to receive allegations of election fraud, Higgins said. They can be reached at 1-800-Call-FBI.
With Election Day looming, Utah has already seen a heightened environment around election administration. The FBI last month intercepted a letter filled with white powder that was addressed to the Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson's staff office. That letter was signed by the "United States Traitor Elimination Army," and Henderson said she believes the letter was sent with "malicious intent."
Nearly two dozen other states were targeted with similar letters.
Henderson condemned efforts to undermine elections in a speech at the University of Utah earlier this month, saying: "Attacks on our elections and the people who run them are attacks on the political institutions that exist to protect our liberty and free government."
Salt Lake County Clerk Lannie Chapman said her office is working closely with law enforcement to counter additional threats or harassment of election workers leading up to and following the Nov. 5 election.
