October 29, 10

NEWS / Attorney General Dow Announces Election Day Safeguards

TRENTON – Attorney General Paula T. Dow today announced that approximately 225 Deputy Attorneys General will be on duty throughout the state on Election Day, November 2, to help ensure a fair and smooth-running election and to assist county election officials in resolving any voting-related legal issues as they emerge.

“Deputy Attorneys General will be in each of the state’s 21 counties throughout Election Day to ensure the right to vote is protected and to resolve any potential legal issues that may arise,” said Attorney General Dow.

Deputy Attorneys General from the Division of Law will be on duty from 6 a.m. until the close of the polls at 8 p.m. to handle any court applications and to provide timely legal advice to New Jersey’s County Superintendents of Election and Boards of Election on emergent, voting-related legal matters.

Attorney General Dow noted that it is a criminal offense to solicit or electioneer voters as they enter or exit a polling establishment. She added a “protective zone” extends 100 feet from the outside entrance of the polling place. Any attempts to unlawfully interfere with voters within this area are usually handled by appropriate law enforcement officers. Dow said persons who believe they have been victimized with their right to vote should immediately contact the state hotline at 1-877-NJVOTER or (609) 599-6877.

Members of the public can also address election-related queries to their County Superintendent of Election and county Board of Election. A list of county-level election office contacts can be found on the Division of Elections Web site at www.NJElections.org. The web site offers useful information about the voting process and voting rights. In addition, those who wish to provide information concerning accessibility of specific polling sites for the disabled can do so by filling out an online feedback form.

http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases10/pr20101029c.html