SALT LAKE CITY — With many voters feeling tension and anxiety prior to the 2020 presidential election, a federal official has been appointed to investigate election concerns in Utah.
United States Attorney for Utah John Huber appointed Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Clark to the position of elections officer.
“In Utah, we have a great track record for operating free and fair elections,” Huber said. “It is not a commentary on that at all. We have a great trust in our state and county officials to conduct these elections.”
The position is appointed every two years regardless of the political climate.
The elections officer is tasked with investigating claims from voters of fraud, intimidation, and discrimination.
“To be an American citizen and have the right to vote, this is one of the most prized votes that we have,” Huber said. “It’s a right that we have fought for. Our forefathers and mothers fought for this, to have that right. We will protect it.”
The elections officer will work in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice, and state election officials.
No matter their political affiliation or beliefs, anyone in Utah is urged to call 801-325-1405 if they feel their voting rights have been compromised or if they have witnessed fraud.
“My elections officer, a federal attorney, will be on call the entire day,” Huber said. “If there are extremist groups who are taking action, whether they are embedded in the left wing or the right wing, the far spectrum of politics — if they act out and infringe on the rights of others, we will make that a very top priority.”
The FBI will have special agents available across the country on election day to investigate allegations of fraud.