Voting
The Department of Justice remains vigilant in detecting, investigating, and pursuing violations of federal civil and criminal laws related to voting.
"Nearly two and a half centuries into our experiment of 'government of the people, by the people, for the people,' we have learned much about what supports a healthy democracy. We know that expanding the ability of all eligible citizens to vote is the central pillar. That means ensuring that all eligible voters can cast a vote; that all the lawful votes are counted; and that every voter has access to accurate information. The Department of Justice will never stop working to protect the democracy to which all Americans are entitled."
- Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General
June 11, 2021
State Election Resources
Find voter resources in your state.
Guidance to States on Election Integrity & Protecting Election Records & Voters
The Justice Department has issued guidance documents to ensure states fully comply with federal laws regarding elections, specifically federal statutes affecting methods of voting and federal constraints related to post-election “audits.”
“Guidance Concerning Federal Statutes Affecting Methods of Voting,” provides guidance regarding federal statutes the Department enforces related to voting by mail, absentee voting, and voting in person.
“Federal Law Constraints on Post-Election Audits,” provides information on the requirements federal law imposes on state and local governments and election officials to preserve and retain election records and the criminal penalties associated with the willful failure to comply with those requirements. This guidance document also details the statutes that prohibit the intimidation of voters and the department’s commitment to act if any person engages in actions that violate the law.
“Guidance under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, 52 U.S. C. 10301, for redistricting and methods of electing government bodies,” discusses how the department will conduct its review of these redistricting plans and methods of electing governmental bodies to evaluate compliance with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The guidance document also describes how the department applies well-established case law while investigating and bringing enforcement actions under Section 2.
Combatting Threats Against ElectionWorkers
The Department of Justice has launched a law enforcement task force to address the rise in threats against election workers, administrators, officials, and others associated with the electoral process.
The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected threats or acts of violence against election workers. To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). You also may file an online complaint at: tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
Resources on Voting
Justice News
November 4, 2021
Press Release
November 4, 2021
Speech
October 25, 2021
Press Release
October 6, 2021
Speech
September 1, 2021
Press Release
Accessibility in Voting
The Justice Department has created the following resources to ensure that voters with disabilities have an equal opportunity to exercise their right to vote.
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The ADA Checklist for Polling Places 2016 provides guidance to election officials for determining whether a polling place is accessible to voters with disabilities. Additional guidance, Solutions for Five Common ADA Access Problems at Polling Places, provides a brief discussion of physical barriers in commonly found areas in polling places, such as parking areas, and temporary solutions to address access at those areas. |
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The Americans with Disabilities Act and Other Federal Laws Protecting the Rights of Voters with Disabilities (justice.gov) provides guidance to states, counties, cities, election officials, poll workers, and voters on how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal laws help ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to vote. |
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If you believe that you or someone else was discriminated against based on a disability while registering to vote or voting, you can file an ADA complaint with the Civil Rights Division. Find out more here: How to File an ADA Complaint. |
Analyzing barriers to voting for people with disabilities.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the Department of Commerce is evaluating the steps needed to ensure that the online Federal Voter Registration Form is accessible to people with disabilities. NIST—in consultation with the Department of Justice, the Election Assistance Commission, and other agencies—is also analyzing barriers to private and independent voting for people with disabilities, including access to voter registration, voting technology, voting by mail, polling locations, and poll worker training. Find out more here: https://www.nist.gov/itl/voting/executive-order-promoting-access-voting
A disability advocacy resource in each state, territory, and the four corners region.
The National Disability Rights Network is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP). The P&A/CAP network provides legally-based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States, including in the area of voting rights. There is a P&A/CAP agency in every state and U.S. territory as well as one serving the Native American population in the four corners region. Your state, territory, or the four corners region P&A/CAP can be found at: NDRN Member Agencies - P&A - CAP | NDRN.
Ensuring Access to Voter Registration for Eligible Individuals in Federal Custody
The Department is working to ensure that citizens in federal custody or preparing for reentry into the community understand, and can exercise, the voting rights provided by state law. The Bureau of Prisons has developed a multilingual lesson plan for its Institution Admission and Orientation program to educate new arrivals about their voting rights while incarcerated. It is also implementing policies and procedures to facilitate voter registration and voting for incarcerated individuals who remain eligible to vote, including procedures to protect and return mail-in ballots and to assist incarcerated individuals with disabilities. In addition, the Bureau has added to its Release Orientation Program a new module on voting rights, which highlights state-specific information on voting restrictions as well as restoration-of-rights opportunities for previously incarcerated individuals.