United States Attorney expands civil rights efforts in 2023

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Civil rights enforcement and education will be expanded in West Virginia in 2023, to include proactive efforts to ensure that people with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that his office has developed a formal plan pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that public entities don’t discriminate against voters based upon disability. The ADA applies to all aspects of voting, to include registration, site selection, and the casting of ballots, whether on Election Day or during early voting.

“Voting is a hallmark of our democracy, and we want to make sure that no one is denied this fundamental right due to a disability,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld.

Ihlenfeld also announced that his office will host four community events this year to raise awareness about federal civil rights, with a special focus on the ADA, the Fair Housing Act, hate crimes, and environmental justice. These educational sessions will be held in Hancock, Ohio, Hampshire, and Harrison counties, with the first event scheduled for April 20, 2023, at 9 a.m. at the Millsop Community Center in Weirton.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay is the District’s Civil Rights Coordinator and is leading the community outreach efforts. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Prezioso, Jarod Douglas, and Max Nogay are also assisting with the initiative.

To learn more about the district’s civil rights work, or to report a civil rights violation, go to https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/civil-rights-program.