PORTAGE COUNTY, Ohio — As the Nov. 5 general election approaches, voters in Portage County have expressed concerns about "intimidation."
Now, the U.S. Justice Department has announced that it will monitor voting in Portage County to ensure that federal laws are being upheld during the early voting period and on Election Day.
The announcement comes after voters in Portage County allegedly raised concerns about "intimidation resulting from the surveillance and the collection of personal information regarding voters, as well as threats concerning the electoral process."
Because of those concerns, the Justice Department will deploy staff to monitor compliance with federal laws.
According to the Justice Department, "attempted or actual intimidation, threats or coercion directed toward any person for voting and related activities or urging or aiding others in voting is prohibited by Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965."
Portage County recently made national headlines after Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski posted comments on Facebook asking residents to "write down all the addresses of the people" with Kamala Harris signs in their yards.
In the days after his initial post gained traction, Zuchowski spoke out again, doubling down on his previous statements and adding, "If the citizens of Portage County want to elect an individual who has supported open borders (which I've personally visited Twice!) and neglected to enforce the laws of our Country...then that is their prerogative." However, he did note, "I have sworn to protect ALL citizens of my County," regardless of political affiliation.
Following the remarks, the Portage County Board of Elections removed the sheriff's office from its early voting security plans after the controversial comments.
Any reports related to voter intimidation in Portage County can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s internet reporting portal at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.
More information can be found HERE.
3News' Tyler Carey contributed to this report.
