Dennis RomeroVoter fraud is rarer than a global-warming denier in New York City right now.
Republican efforts to scare away the poor, dark and Democratic vote in states like Pennsylvania and Florida have made this non-issue a hot topic nonetheless.
Ironically, some of the biggest headlines about voter fraud this election year …
… involve allegations against Republicans.
In Riverside County 133 people say they were duped into registering as Republicans after they were approached to sign petitions for marijuana legalization and job creation.
In any case, Republicans say they want stronger policing of so-called voter fraud? Be careful what you wish for.
Credit: rachel_titriga / Flickr
Amid the roiling debate, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles today announced that it will indeed be on the lookout for any shenanigans at Southern California polls.
The man on the job is Assistant United States Attorney Dennis Mitchell, who was announced as SoCal's District Election Officer — a title he's held before. According to a U.S. Attorney's statement:
The Department of Justice is committed to deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and federal authorities will combat these violations whenever and wherever they occur …
The office says FBI agents will be on the case Tuesday, available to respond and investigate any such allegations. Wow.
U.S. Attorney in L.A. André Birotte Jr:
Every citizen is entitled to vote without interference or discrimination. Citizens should not hesitate to report possible violations of voting rights laws.
If you come across something fishy at the polls, you're encouraged to call the FBI's L.A. office at 213-894-2484.
[Added at 1:33 p.m.]: Oh, and uh, apparently regarding that Riverside County case, above, the U.S. Department of Justice says this;
The Justice Department announced today that its Civil Rights Division plans to deploy more than 780 federal observers and department personnel to 51 jurisdictions in 23 states – including Riverside County, Calif. – during next week's general election.
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