GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan has announced a new hotline to handle any local Election Day complaints over voting rights, election fraud and threats against election officials or staff.

Austin Hakes, the assistant U.S. attorney for the district, will take the lead locally on the project that works alongside the Justice Department.

U.S. Attorney Mark Totten says it’s important that all voters have the chance to make their voice heard and should be able to do so without risk of violence.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” Totten said in a statement. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The local hotline is 616.808.2140. The hotline staff can also be reached through the district’s website. Complaints can also be made directly to the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division online or at 800.253.3931.

Totten notes that Hakes will be on duty while polls are open, and the FBI will have special agents available in each field office across the country to respond to allegations of election fraud and other election-related calls.

“Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately before contacting federal authorities,” the district stated. “State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.”