Eight months after the Justice Department announced it was prosecuting veteran ballot harvester Craig Callaway with election fraud, Atlantic County’s top Democrat wants the state Office of Public Integrity and Accountability to dispatch election monitors to Atlantic City.
In a letter to OPIA director Drew Skinner, Democratic County Chairman Michael Suleiman said he believes “Callaway and his minions are still engaged in politics” and accused the former council president of helping a GOP candidate in a special election for a fifth ward council seat.
“Mr. Callaway is either incredibly arrogant, incredibly stupid, or both to continue his ballot harvesting operation even under federal charges. For many years, I begged law enforcement to do something about the Callaway organization,” Suleiman said. “If Callaway is allowed to continue to thumb his nose at our election laws, then there is no point in having them.”
Suleiman wants state monitors at early voting locations and polling places on Election Day.
Last year, Superior Court Judge Michael Blee permanently barred Callaway from serving as a ballot assistor or directing anyone to do so.
Earlier today, Atlantic County Prosecutor Wiliam Reynolds announced enhanced security measures to safeguard the integrity of the November 5 general election.
“Our office is committed to protecting the rights of voters, safety of those working the election and maintaining the foundation of our democracy,” Reynolds said. “We will work tirelessly with our partners to ensure that the election process is safe and secure for all.”
Reynolds said he’s working with County Clerk Joe Giralo, Sheriff Joseph O’Donoghue, and Superintendent of Elections Maureen Bugdon.
To heighten security and transparency, Giralo said he would increase camera installations in public spaces and take added precautions to secure ballots. O’Donoghue committed to maintain a law enforcement presence in election offices, escort staff to poling sites for troubleshooting, and expedite and escort election equipment in the event of failures or shortages.