While the San Diego County Registrar of Voters follows strict protocol to ensure a fair and safe election for local voters, wrongdoers could still cause unsavory situations at the polls.
In Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, ballot boxes were set on fire this week in what authorities believe were targeted and intentional acts. Hundreds of ballots were burned and the FBI is investigating.
The FBI in San Diego said it hasn't received any information about potential threats to voters or election staff in the San Diego region.
Any violence, crimes or threats to national security will be investigated "to swiftly bring those accountable to justice," the FBI said.
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Authorities urge residents to report any unusual activity or wrongdoing.
Voter fraud, voter suppression and voting device tampering are just a few election crimes that could be considered felonies.
If you believe you have witnessed or been affected by an election violation, here's what you should do next.
Local
Criminal violations
California's Investigative Services unit looks into criminal violations during the election process, like misuse of voter registration and voting violations. Some potential violations include registering someone who is unable to register, electioneering within 100 feet of a polling place, and receiving money or gifts for voting. See more here.
Authorities urge residents to report any unusual activity or wrongdoing. Voters are asked to report any Election Day threats by contacting their local law enforcement agency or by calling 911 in case of an emergency.
To report a complaint in California, use the web form here.
Voter intimidation or suppression
Voters who are challenged on their voting eligibility, who experience voter intimidation or have trouble at their polling place are encouraged to report such incidents to the state.
If you run into any of the above issues, or have any questions about the voting process, more than 100 organizations across the U.S. operate an Election Protection hotline, which can be reached at:
- 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683): English
- 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682): Spanish/English
- 1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683): Asian languages/English
- 1-844-YALLA-US (1-844-925-5287): Arabic/English
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the organizations that helps operate the hotline during election season.
Residents can also text MYVOTE to 866-687-8683 to get help from trained volunteers. Assistance is also available on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @866ourvote, and live-chatting can be accessed on the group's website.
Intimidated at the polls
There is no law against asking someone who they voted for, but the individual does not have to share that information if they don't want to. If someone feels intimidated or that their vote is being suppressed, report it to the state or use the methods above.
How else can I report election complaints?
On top of reporting to the state, voters can also contact:
- The San Diego County Registrar of Voters Office
- The U.S. Attorney's Office Election Day Hotline at (603) 230-2503
- The local FBI office at (858) 320-1800 or at tips.fbi.gov
- The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division at (202) 514-3847. Ask for the Voting section or fill out the form here
You can also report suspicious incidents at polls to NBC 7 through our contact form here.
Decision 2024: What to Know
- San Diego Voter's Guide: Everything you need to know about voting in the 2024 Presidential Election
- When is the deadline to vote? Election Day is Nov. 5, 2024. For more important dates, click here.
- Where to vote early: Early voting is underway now through Election Day. Starting Nov. 2, more than 200 locations will be open for in-person early voting. Find a location here.
- How to vote by mail: Every San Diego County voter receives a ballot in the mail. Fill it out, sign it, and return it at hundreds of drop-off locations across the county.
- Who is on the ballot? Enter your address here to find candidates on the state and national level. Follow NBC 7's Decision 2024 for more on local measures and candidates.
- What propositions are on the ballot? Here are all 10 California ballot propositions for the 2024 election, explained
- Report a problem: Here's how to report incidents at the polls