Secretary of State
Officials Meet to Combat Voter Fraud Issues

(Frankfort, KY) Officials from various agencies from across the Commonwealth met today in Frankfort to discuss upcoming efforts to prevent and eradicate voter fraud in the November 7th Election.  Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Representatives from the State Board of Elections, the Kentucky Attorney General’s office, and the U.S. Attorneys’ offices discussed the importance of this year’s elections and how each office is working to protect the election from potential fraud. 

Secretary Grayson, the chief elections official of the Commonwealth and Chairman of the State Board of Elections noted that the cooperation between the agencies had been “tremendous” but that many of these efforts require the help of citizens.

“We are working to rid Kentucky of election fraud and have taken a number of steps to do so.  We now turn to citizens and ask them to report anything that they may find unusual concerning the election,” stated Grayson.

Officials from each agency will continue meeting in the coming weeks to prepare for the election, discussing any potential issues and problem areas. 

The Office of the Attorney General has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute violations of the Kentucky Election laws.  By law, the Attorney General administers programs to observe the conduct of elections, maintains a toll-free hotline to receive reports of election law violations, investigates any such violations, takes appropriate enforcement action, and conducts post election audits based on random selection in counties throughout Kentucky.

“On election day, the Office of the Attorney General will have a strong presence across the Commonwealth," said Attorney General Greg Stumbo.  "In fact, I will personally be out in the field monitoring the election process to ensure every citizen's right to a free and fair election is upheld.  My Office will enforce election laws and hold accountable those who engage in the crime of vote fraud." 

The Election Fraud Hotline is 1-800-328-VOTE (800-328-8683).  The hotline is available throughout the year during normal business hours.   On November 7, 2006 calls will be received from 6a.m. EDT until 7p.m. EDT.

The State Board of Elections will also be fielding calls about the election from now through Election Day.  Citizens are encouraged to contact their local county clerk or the State Board of Elections with general election concerns or for election information.

“Voter Fraud will not be tolerated.  This team of law enforcement and election officials is going to do all that we can to rid this state of fraud and corruption in the elections process as well as an environment that is inviting to such activity,” remarked Grayson, who serves as Chairman of the State Board of Elections.

Because federal races will be on the ballot, the offices of the U.S. Attorney’s for both the Western and Eastern Districts in Kentucky will be conducting their traditional Voting Integrity Initiatives.

"The people of Kentucky are entitled to have their vote count.  Fair and honest elections are what make this country great.  I encourage all citizens to speak up when they see anything improper so we may investigate and prosecute any such wrongdoing," said United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Amul R. Thapar.  "If people illegally buy elections and federal jurisdiction exists, my office is committed to prosecuting them.  Corruption simply will not be tolerated."

“The detection of election fraud depends in large part on the watchfulness and cooperation of the Kentucky electorate.  Election fraud and voting rights abuses dilute the worth of votes honestly cast.  They also corrupt the essence of our representative form of government.  As crimes against both the individual and the government, they will be dealt with promptly and aggressively,” stated United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky David L. Huber. “Regardless of the election involved, federal agents stand vigilant to the enforcement of federal laws regulating the election process and will investigate valid complaints of election impropriety that implicate federal criminal laws.  Anyone who has information suggesting electoral corruption or voting rights violations should make that information available immediately to our Offices.”

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