NJ Election Safeguards in Place [AUDIO]

NEW JERSEY 101.5

Federal and state law enforcement officials are pulling out all the stops in New Jersey to ensure that voters can exercise their right to vote in a safe and fair manner today.

An Election Day hotline has been set up for those who suspect voter fraud. Meanwhile, about 150 state Deputy Attorneys General will be assigned throughout the state to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

"There is really nothing more important to Americans than the right to vote and to be able to do that in a way that is fair and unimpeded," said U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman. "If anyone has a problem, there are people they can call to help steer them through the problem. If it's appropriate for us to investigate, we will. If it's more appropriate for someone else's jurisdiction, we will make sure that those people are aware of the problem and can deal with it as quickly as possible."

State Acting Attorney General John Hoffman is reminding New Jersey residents that it is a criminal offense to solicit or electioneer voters as they enter or exit a polling location. A protective zone extends 100 feet from the outside entrance of any polling site.

"The right to vote is one of the foundations of our democracy and we are committed to protecting that right," said Hoffman. "By deploying Deputy Attorneys General throughout the state, we are helping to ensure the integrity of the voting process, as well as our ability to promptly and fairly resolve any voting-related legal issues that may arise."

The Election Day hotline number is 1-855-291-6791. It will be active through 8:00 p.m. tonight. The state has also set up a hotline at 1-877-NJVOTER. You can also address election-related questions to your County Superintendent of Election and county Board of Election.

For more information, visit www.NJElections.org.