Terrence P. Donnelly, Election Tampering, Rhode Island, 2023

As polls open across Rhode Island, federal authorities are on high alert for any signs of election tampering, voter intimidation, or ballot fraud. U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha has assigned Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly to lead the Justice Department’s Election Day Program in the District of Rhode Island, positioning him as the frontline enforcer against any corruption of the democratic process.

Donnelly, named District Election Officer (DEO), will be on duty throughout Election Day 2016, monitoring reports and coordinating with DOJ headquarters in Washington. His role is not ceremonial—it’s operational. Anyone attempting to bribe, intimidate, or impersonate voters, stuff ballot boxes, or alter vote counts will face immediate federal scrutiny. These are not local violations—they are federal crimes, and they carry federal consequences.

The Justice Department’s Election Day Program is a nationwide crackdown initiative, but in Rhode Island, it’s being treated like a criminal investigation already in motion. Federal law forbids any act meant to harass or obstruct voters, including aggressive challenges at polling places or unauthorized video recording under the guise of vigilante oversight. Voters have the right to mark their own ballots—or choose who assists them. Violate that right, and you’re violating Title 18 of the U.S. Code.

The FBI is backing the operation with boots on the ground. Special agents are stationed in every field office and resident agency across the state, ready to respond to real-time reports. The Providence FBI field office can be reached directly at (401) 272-8310. This isn’t a tip line—it’s a rapid-response channel for election crimes in progress.

Public complaints can also bypass local channels entirely. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division Voting Section in Washington, DC, is accepting reports via phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax, email at voting.section@usdoj.gov, or through an official complaint form online. Every report will be documented, triaged, and, if warranted, investigated.

“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy,” Neronha stated. “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.” If you see something—ballot tampering, voter suppression, threats at a polling site—report it. The feds are watching.

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