JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO MONITOR ELECTION IN SOUTH CAROLINA

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Justice Department today announced that it will monitor the September 21 special primary election in Lee County, South Carolina to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act.

Each year, the Department of Justice deploys hundreds of observers and attorneys to monitor elections across the country. In 2002, the Department coordinated and sent 608 federal observers and 221 Department personnel to 40 counties in 17 states to monitor 60 elections and ensure access to the polls. In 2003, the Department coordinated and sent 380 federal observers and 136 Department personnel to monitor 42 elections in 26 political subdivisions in 14 states. So far in 2004, including this election, the Department has coordinated and sent 467 federal observers and 260 Department personnel to monitor 72 elections in 66 counties in 19 states.

To file complaints about discriminatory voting practices, including acts of harassment or intimidation, voters may call the Voting Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division at 1-800-253-3931.

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