U.S. Department of Justice

                                                                                    United States Attorney

                                                                                    Northern District of Indiana

                                                                                                                              5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 1500                                                (219) 937- 5500

                                                                                                                              Hammond, Indiana 46320                                          FAX: (219) 852- 2770

TTD: (219) 933- 1250

                                                                                                     October 30, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Released By: Joseph S. Van Bokkelen

                            United States Attorney

Northern District of Indiana

Contact Person: Bernard L. Van Wormer

                            219/937-5500

PRESS RELEASE

          On October 1, 2002, Attorney General John Ashcroft established a Department-wide Voting Access and Integrity Initiative. The goals of this Initiative are to increase the Department’s ability to deter election fraud and discrimination at the polls and to prosecute these offenses wherever and whenever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program is intended to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department where the public can report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.

          On November 4, 2003, voters will go to the polls. United States Attorney

Joseph S. Van Bokkelen stated that his office is committed to the goals of the Voting Access and Integrity Initiative.

          “Election fraud dilutes the worth of votes honestly cast. It also corrupts the essence of our representative form of government. As a crime against both the individual and the government, it will be dealt with promptly and aggressively,” United States Attorney Joseph S. Van Bokkelen said. During this election, his office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be available to investigate allegations of vote fraud.

The FBI can be reached by the public at the following numbers:

                                Merrillville, 219/769-3719

                                South Bend, 574/233-4488

                                Fort Wayne, 260/426-5331

                                Lafayette, 765/423-5619

          Assistant United States Attorney Bernard L. Van Wormer will be responsible for coordinating efforts for the United States Attorney’s Office during this election. Van Bokkelen urged that any citizens with information concerning federal election law violations contact AUSA Van Wormer at 219/937-5500 or the FBI at the above numbers.

          Van Bokkelen stated, “The detection of election fraud depends in large part on the watchfulness and cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have been asked to participate in questionable election practices, or who have observed or have specific information regarding electoral corruption, make that information available immediately to the FBI or my office. The cooperation of this state’s citizens in helping to protect the integrity of the ballot box is crucial. It is also appreciated,” Van Bokkelen said.

                                                                        - END -