LAFAYETTE, La. — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana announced an election enforcement plan Oct. 21 focused on protecting voter access, monitoring compliance with federal election laws and investigating credible allegations of election fraud.
The office said it is coordinating with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and federal, state and local election partners during early voting and the Nov. 3 general election.
Enforcement priorities include protecting eligible voters from discrimination, intimidation, coercion and unlawful interference during early voting, absentee voting and Election Day voting. The office also will address credible reports of ballot tampering, voter impersonation, interference at polling locations and fraudulent absentee ballot practices.
“Our Office’s responsibility is twofold: to ensure that every eligible Louisiana citizen can freely and confidently participate in our elections, and to safeguard that process so that only those with a legal and constitutional right to cast a ballot in our state do so,” U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller said.
Early voting runs through Oct. 27, excluding Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Election Day polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters in line when polls close are entitled to vote.
Voters should bring an accepted photo identification card. Those without photo identification may vote by affidavit after providing identifying information.
Louisiana voters can use the secretary of state’s voter portal to confirm registration, view sample ballots and locate early voting sites and Election Day polling places.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encouraged residents to report suspected election fraud or voter intimidation through the FBI’s online tips portal or local law enforcement. Complaints involving voter discrimination or civil rights violations can be submitted through the Justice Department’s civil rights reporting portal.
Voting irregularities also can be reported to the Louisiana Election Integrity Division at 800-722-5305.