Baltimore City Wire

Baltimore, Maryland – Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Bijon A. Mostoufi and Joseph Wenner will lead the efforts of his office in supporting the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024 general election. AUSAs Mostoufi and Wenner have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the District of Maryland. In this capacity, they are responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints involving voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, all in consultation with the Justice Department in Washington, D.C.

The Department of Justice plays an important role in deterring and combating discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud wherever they may occur. The department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against crimes such as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for voters' rights and provides that they must be able to vote free from interference, including intimidation and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects voters' right to mark their own ballot or be assisted by a person of their choice when needed due to disability or inability to read or write in English.

U.S. Attorney Barron stated: “Voting is a hallmark of our democracy and an essential right in our state and in this country. My office is committed to protecting that right and pursuing those who discourage or interfere with its exercise. I am proud to lead the District of Maryland’s efforts to support the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program.” To respond to complaints during the upcoming election effectively, AUSAs Mostoufi and Wenner will be on duty in Maryland while polls are open. They can be reached at 301-344-4433. Any allegations will be reviewed with state and federal authorities where appropriate.

Additionally, FBI special agents will be available throughout each field office on election day to receive allegations of fraud and other abuses. The local FBI field office can be contacted by calling 410-265-8080.

Complaints about potential violations can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by phone at 800-253-3931 or via complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.

Protecting voting rights, prosecuting fraud, and securing elections are essential for maintaining public confidence in America's democratic system. The department encourages anyone with relevant information to contact appropriate authorities.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office's priorities and community resources available visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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