Justice Department Monitoring Elections In Woonsocket, Pawtucket

WOONSOCKET, RI — The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Justice Department said it will monitor elections Tuesday in Woonsocket and Pawtucket to ensure the state is following all federal voting rights laws.

During Tuesday's election to fill former U.S. Rep. David Cicilline's (D-Providence), district one seat, polls in the two Rhode Island cities will be monitored by Justice Department officials. Justice Department officials from the civil rights division will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws and enforce them to protect the rights of all citizens' to access the ballot, a spokesperson from U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha's office said.

"The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, the Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act," a Justice Department spokesperson said.

Complaints of potential violations can be made by calling 1-800-253-3931 or by filling out a form on the Justice Department's website.

Also read: Rhode Island Election 2023 Voter's Guide: Congress, School Bonds, More.

Have a new tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.