Justice Department Monitoring Polls In Prince William County On Election Day

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — The Justice Department is monitoring polls in Prince William County this Election Day, authorities said.

Federal employees will ensure that voting precincts comply with voting rights laws in Prince William County, and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.

The Department of Justice has regularly monitored polls since the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965. This year, the Justice Department is monitoring voting precincts in 64 localities across 24 states.

Polls will be monitored by employees from the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and the Office of Personnel Management.

In addition to its monitors, the Justice Department is also operating a nationwide hotline for issues regarding voting rights. Complaints can be filed online or by calling 800-253-3931.

Justice Department officials are working to ensure that all eligible voters will be able to cast their ballot. Monitors will confirm that people with disabilities are able to vote while also preventing voter intimidation or suppression based on race or religion.

"Complaints related to disruption at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local election officials (including officials in the polling place)," the Justice Department said in a news release. "Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted."

A full list of localities with polls being monitored by the Justice Department is available online.