U.S. Attorneys To Closely Monitor Elections

A state lawmaker is raising concerns about intimidation at the polls. And a number of state and federal agencies will be on-call Election Day to help curtail voter intimidation and fraud.

State Rep. John Bartlett, the ranking Democrat on the House Elections Committee, sent a letter to Indiana’s two U.S. attorneys. In it, he says he’s worried about possible voter intimidation this year after comments made by Donald Trump urging his followers to “go and watch” in some areas.

U.S. Attorneys David Cupp and Josh Minkler, independent of Bartlett’s concerns, appointed deputies to lead an Election Day program. Their offices – along with the FBI – are on-call to field complaints and potentially investigate any voter intimidation and fraud or other concerns about access to the polls.

Election Day resources from Cupp, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District, are available by calling (219) 937-5656. Resources from Minkler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District, are available by calling (317) 226-6333.

The Indiana Democratic Party is providing its own service, what it’s calling its “Voter Protection Hotline.” The party says the hotline is meant to help answer questions about the voting process, including helping Hoosiers know what identification they need at the polls.

The Indiana Republican Party did not respond to a request to provide information about any Election Day resources it offers.