Feds to monitor polls in Orange, but police only in ‘emergency’
Federal officials plan to monitor Orange County on Election Day to ensure compliance with voting rights laws, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.
Meanwhile, Orlando police Chief Orlando Rolón said the agency’s uniformed officers will not be seen at local polling stations Tuesday unless there is an emergency or a call for service.
Rolón said the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office has a protocol in place to call law enforcement if people are disruptive or violating election laws. Orange County Sheriff John Mina said the Supervisor of Elections has hired an off-duty deputy to be at their main office and communicate any issues at county polling places to OCSO.
“The safety and security of everyone in our community, is always the top priority for the Orlando Police Department,” Rolón said in a statement released by the agency. “… Any violence in our city will not be tolerated and those who seek to
do otherwise, will be held accountable.”
Amid rising tensions across the country, Central Florida election supervisors previously told the Orlando Sentinel they are “prepared to deal with any attempted intimidation or violence.”
Orange County is among 44 jurisdictions in 18 states that are being watched by DOJ personnel. In Florida, federal officials are also monitoring Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, MiamiDade and Palm Beach counties.
“Our federal laws protect the right of all American citizens to vote without suffering discrimination, intimidation, and harassment,” said Eric S. Dreiband, assistant attorney general for the DOJ’s civil rights division, in a statement. “The work of the Civil Rights Division around each federal general election is a continuation of its historical mission to ensure that all of our citizens can freely exercise this most fundamental American right.”
Orlando police are not currently aware of any potential issues on Election Day, but the agency is monitoring activity and is communicating with other agencies at the local, state and federal level, Rolón said.
“Recognizing that this is an unprecedented time for our nation, the Orlando Police Department will leverage our staffing and resources to meet the needs of our community and ensure the safety of everyone,” he said.
Rolón encouraged the public to call the Florida Division of Elections Voter Assistance Hotline if they have a question about voting at 1-866-308-6739.
People who see suspicious activity can call the local FBI field office at 813-253-1000 or OPD’s nonemergency line at 321-235-5300.
If you see an emergency, dial 911.
“The City of Orlando has shown that we can work together during significant times,” Rolón said. “I encourage everyone in our community to practice civility and unity, no matter the outcome of this election.”