U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz, Election Intimidation, Tennessee 2022

Memphis, TN – Election Day Threats Prompt U.S. Attorney to Act

Memphis, TN – In a move to address potential election day threats, U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz has appointed Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Scott Smith as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Tennessee. This appointment is part of the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.

AUSA Scott Smith will be responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

According to U.S. Attorney Ritz, ‘Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.’ He emphasized that election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.

The Justice Department has an important role in deterring and combating discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.

U.S. Attorney Ritz stated that ‘The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.’

To report possible federal election law violations, the public can contact AUSA/DEO Smith at 901-544-4231 or 901-969-2962. The FBI will also have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.

Defendant: U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz

Crime: Election Intimidation

City and State: Memphis, TN

Date: November 8, 2022

Sentence or Outcome: N/A (Appointment as District Election Officer)

Dollar Amounts: N/A

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