Justice Department offers voter resources in hurricane-hit states
- Fact vs. fiction: A look at the false information around Hurricane Helene
- FEMA aid: Local renters can apply for assistance after Hurricane Helene
- Applying for aid: Assistance won’t affect other benefits, agency says
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division launched a website Tuesday compiling information to help voters in states impacted by recent hurricanes Helene and Milton to have access to the ballot.
The hurricanes have displaced several thousands of people from their residences; disrupted vital services; closed schools, businesses and other places; slowed postal delivery; and destroyed important personal possessions, including photos and identification documents.
In these online resources, the department includes Georgia and South Carolina as well as other states affected by the storms.
The site has links to various state changes made to accommodate voters who have been displaced, lost their identification documents, have had polling sites moved or who are unsure where or how they can vote. It also provides information so that voters can reach local voting officials who can provide the most specific and up-to-date guidance.
You can visit the site at https://www.justice.gov/voting/hurricane-related-voter-assistance?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
Georgians continue to set records with early voting
Early voting began last Tuesday with a state record for voter turnout during the start of the advance voting period. The records have continued.
The Justice Department says it’s also committed to ensuring every eligible voter can cast their ballot free from discrimination and intimidation.
For additional information about voting and elections, including filing federal voting rights violations or threats against election workers, visit www.justice.gov/voting. the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section through the internet reporting portal at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling 800-253-3931.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. Your local FBI field office can be found at www.fbi.gov/-us/field-offices.
Aiken County election chief may be different, but voting rolls on as usual
Aiken County’s new election director, Dana Burden, only had about a month to prepare before early voting started. But now it's well underway.
Also, federal prosecutors have appointed election officers to handle Election Day complaints.
In South Carolina, U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potterfield to lead the efforts. In Georgia, U.S. Attorney Jill Steinberg has also appointed an officer.
In South Carolina, complaints can be made by calling 803-919-3092.
In Georgia, complaints can be made by calling 912-652-4422.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
