US Attorney Appoints Election Oversight Officer for WNY Polls

As the Nov. 5 general election approaches, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno to oversee election integrity efforts in the Western District of New York. Ross made the announcement Friday, underscoring the Justice Department’s commitment to a safe and fair voting process.

Bonanno, named District Election Officer (DEO), will handle complaints related to voting rights, threats of violence against election workers and potential election fraud. He will coordinate with the Department of Justice in Washington, DC to ensure prompt and effective responses to any reported issues.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination, and every vote must be counted in a fair and free election,” Ross said. “Also, election officials must be able to work without facing illegal threats of violence. The Department of Justice is dedicated to protecting the integrity of the election process.”

The Justice Department’s Election Day Program plays a critical role in preventing voter intimidation, discrimination, and voter fraud. Through local contact points like Bonanno, the program encourages public reporting of suspected violations of federal election law, with the goal of fostering trust and transparency in the election system.

Federal law protects against a range of crimes, including intimidation, vote buying, impersonation, vote tampering and ballot tampering. Voters also have specific protections under the Voting Rights Act, which guarantees assistance to those who need help because of disabilities or language barriers.

Ross reiterated the importance of the electoral process, calling it “the cornerstone of American democracy.” She emphasized the need for public involvement in reporting concerns to maintain the integrity of elections. On Election Day, Bonanno will be available during polling hours at 716-843-5700 to answer complaints and questions.

In addition, the FBI will have agents on standby at its field offices, ready to investigate any reports of election-related misconduct. The local FBI office in Buffalo can be reached at 716-856-7800. The public may also contact the Division of Civil Rights in Washington, DC, or online at civil rights.justice.gov or by phone at 800-253-3931 to report federal voting rights violations.

Ross urged voters to be vigilant and proactive, stressing that public assistance is vital to maintaining free and fair elections. However, she cautioned that in cases of immediate threats or violence, people should contact 911 first because state and local authorities are better positioned to quickly respond to emergencies at the polls.

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