In preparation for the elections that Will be held on August 28, 2018, it is important to understand the importance of voting and to protect your vote.
As such, my office has activated the Voter Protection Hotline to assist anyone who suspects improper or irregular activities or receives unsolicited contact regarding their absentee ballot.
Our Hotline number is 305-547-3300.
It is important to know our rights as voters and that we know about the candidates and issues that will be on the ballot.
We have to exercise our civic right to vote and value this tool of democracy. Voting is the clearest expression of the power that we have as citizens.
Sadly, many people take advantage during electoral periods to commit fraud by taking advantage of voters who are not informed or well-versedin the elections process. This happens especially with absentee ballots.
Voter fraud and absentee ballots are topics that I have addressed on many occasions because I believe it to be a serious subject. Most of the elections fraud that we see are through absentee ballots. My office has been successful against this electoral fraud due to the Elections Task Force that I created years ago.
This task force is comprised of 40 police officers from seven police agencies. They have investigated all types of electoral fraud complaints in primary and general elections since 2012.
We have interviewed candidates, elected officials, Community activists, voters, and numerous voters that have called in complaints. Another strategy that we use to combat elections fraud involves our Community Outreach Division. COD works in partnership with the Miami-Dade Elections Board to lead informational presentations throughout the county which teach citizens how to protect their vote.
There are several things voters can do to preserve their voice and vote. All voters should be very careful with their absentee ballots.
- Pick up, complete, and return your own ballot.
- In the case that you need assistance, only permit a family member or trusted friend to assist you in filling out your ballot.
- Do not give your absentee ballot to a stranger.
- Please report any suspicious call or irregularity to the State Attorney’s Office’s Public Corruption Hotline at 305-547-3300.
Picking up or returning more than two (2) absentee ballots other than your own per election is a misdemeanor crime. Anyone who violates this may face a $1,000 fine or up to 60 days in jail. Be sure you are familiar with the laws prior to handling someone else's ballot or having someone else handle your ballot.
Voting is a privilege and a serious responsibility. Please keep your vote secret and safe.
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office stands ready to act on your behalf to preserve the integrity of our elections and every citizen’s vote.
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