Vote fraud hotlines ready to go

BOISE – Federal prosecutors and FBI agents in Idaho will be standing by today, ready to handle any complaints of election fraud.

Not that they expect any Election Day fraud.

“Knock on wood, this has not been the hot spot for election issues,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney George Breitsameter, who is leading the state’s anti-fraud effort.

If any problems surface, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Cook will take the calls in Coeur d’Alene at 667-6568.

Attorneys also will be standing by in the U.S. Attorney’s Boise and Pocatello offices, and the FBI in Boise will take calls at 344-7843.

Breitsameter said there have been some complaints over the years in Idaho, but nothing major.

“We’ve never had an issue that’s risen to a criminal violation,” he said.

Of most concern is any civil rights violation or discrimination, Breitsameter said, that denies someone access to voting when they should be able to vote.

Federal officials will gather information on any complaints, and may contact local election officials for immediate concerns, but won’t interrupt the election process, Breitsameter said.

Tom Moss, U.S. Attorney for Idaho, said the detection of election fraud depends on the watchfulness of the public.

“It is important that anyone approached to participate in questionable election practices, or anyone who observes such practices, contact my office or the FBI immediately,” he said.

“The public’s help is critical to protect the sanctity of the ballot box.”

Any election fraud or voting rights abuses “will be dealt with promptly and aggressively,” Moss said.

Complaints also can be directed to the U.S. Department of Justice’s civil rights division at (800) 253-3931.