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Wheatland Sun

FBI Reminds Public about Election Security and Foreign Influences during Elections

Oct 29, 2020 12:00AM ● By Federal Bureau of Investigation

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office is reminding the public about election security information resources and how to report alleged election crimes ahead of the November 3, 2020, general election. The FBI is continually coordinating national messaging about election security on fbi.gov/elections and across its social media platforms. The FBI’s goal is to increase public awareness and to inform Americans how they can help ensure a safe and secure election.

For decades, the FBI has served as the primary law enforcement agency investigating federal election crimes. This includes investigating allegations of voter and ballot fraud, campaign finance crimes, civil rights violations, unique cyber threats targeting the election process, and threats posed by foreign governments and actors. The FBI is also the lead federal agency for identifying and combating malign foreign influence operations targeting our democratic institutions through the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF). The FITF brings together all FBI authorities and capabilities from multiple divisions to include counterintelligence, cyber, criminal, and counterterrorism assets to coordinate and work together to combat the threat.

“Every American should be free to vote without interference or discrimination and have their vote count,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan, who leads the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI is committed to ensuring safe, secure elections and thwarting the actions of any foreign actors who may attempt to influence our elections for their own political or national interests. Our office continues to engage with law enforcement partners and election security officials to ensure the security of our national elections and preservation of this important civic right.”

Each state has primary responsibility for conducting free and fair elections within its borders. The FBI Sacramento Field Office serves communities located in 34 of California’s 58 counties and is in continuous contact with election partners including the California Secretary of State, Justice Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and other agencies. Together, we stand ready to investigate federal election crimes, identifying and assessing potential threats, and to protecting the public’s constitutional right to vote. 

If you have information about allegations of federal election crimes, voter fraud, or vote suppression, please contact the FBI by calling the FBI Sacramento Field Office by dialing 916-746-7000 or making an electronic report at tips.fbi.gov.

For the current election security information and education resources, follow the FBI Sacramento Field Office on Twitter at @FBISacramento.