The U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, Clare E. Connors, has proactively announced steps to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Nammar has been designated as the District Election Officer (DEO) for Hawaii, taking the helm in addressing election day complaints ranging from voter discrimination to threats of violence against election officials, as reported by the Department of Justice.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” stated United States Attorney Connors, expressing the essential nature of unimpeded democratic participation, according to the Department of Justice. Nammar’s role as DEO also involves consulting with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington to address allegations of election fraud and other related issues.
The department’s established Election Day Program plays a critical role in maintaining public confidence in the voting process by providing local contacts within the department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Connors emphasized the program’s importance in “deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud,” as noted by the Department of Justice. These federal protections are reinforced by laws criminalizing voter intimidation, vote tampering, and voter impersonation, among other offenses, and ensure the protection of voters’ rights as afforded by the Voting Rights Act.
United States Attorney Connors remarked that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice,” as mentioned by the Department of Justice. AUSA/DEO Nammar will be actively on duty during the election, reachable at 808-541-2850 to respond to any voting-related concerns. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will also have agents on standby ready to address election abuses, with the local Hawaii field office accessible at 808-566-4300.
Complaints regarding federal voting rights law violations can be made directly to the Department’s Civil Rights Division through an online form or by contacting 800-253-3931. Connors urged American voters to take initiative in reporting any voting rights concerns or allegations of election fraud to ensure the enforcement of free and fair election proceedings. She also advised that in the event of a violent crime or acts of intimidation on election day, individuals should prioritize calling 911 before reaching out to federal authorities, due to the immediate response capability of state and local police forces.
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