KNOXVILLE -- U.S. Attorney James R. "Russ" Dedrick announced Monday that Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen Smith, of Greeneville, will lead the efforts of his office in the connection with the Justice Department's nationwide election day program for the Nov. 4 general elections.

Smith has been appointed District Election Officer for the Eastern District of Tennessee and is responsible for overseeing the district's handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with the Justice Department's headquarters, a press release from Dedrick said.

In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Nov. 4, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Dedrick said Smith will be on duty in the district while the polls are open.

She can be reached by the public at 639-6759, ext. 110, and 329-3847.

The FBI will also have special agents available in each field office and resident agency in the district to receive allegations of election fraud, intimidation, suppression and other election abuses. The FBI can be reached by the public at 865-544-3588.

Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division's Voting Section in Washington at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767.

Where voter intimidation or suppression tactics target voters on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin, call the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division's Criminal Section at (202) 514-3204.

"Anyone who has information suggesting electoral corruption or voting rights abuses should make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division," Dedrick said.