U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton has announced that Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht will lead federal oversight efforts for the upcoming November 5 general election in Northern Texas, as part of the Department of Justice’s Election Day Program. Appointed as District Election Officer (DEO), Weybrecht will handle election-day concerns on voting rights, threats against election staff, and potential election fraud.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” Simonton stated. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.”
The DOJ’s Election Day Program aims to combat voter intimidation, protect voting rights, and address election fraud, ensuring citizens can vote freely and securely. Federal law protects against offenses such as voter intimidation, bribery, altering vote tallies, and impersonating voters. The Voting Rights Act allows voters to mark their ballots independently or with assistance if needed due to disability or language barriers.
Simonton emphasized, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We must ensure that those entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.”
On Election Day, Weybrecht will be reachable for voter complaints within the Northern District of Texas at 817-252-5221. Additionally, the FBI’s Dallas Field Office will field reports at 972-559-5000, and the Civil Rights Division can be contacted via 800-253-3931 or at civilrights.justice.gov.
Voters are advised to call 911 immediately for incidents involving violence or intimidation, as state and local authorities maintain primary jurisdiction at polling locations.
