buying) are likely to occur in that election. Such requests require particularly close review because of the risk of chilling legitimate voting activity, especially covert operations near or around polling places. Therefore, requests for authorization to use such techniques should be addressed to the Public Integrity Section as far before the election as is possible. After the election – • A United States Attorney’s Office may request the FBI to conduct a preliminary investigation into election fraud allegations that the Office believes warrant further inquiry. • The Public Integrity Section may also request a preliminary investigation into any election-related allegations. • The results of each preliminary investigation are reviewed by attorneys in the United States Attorney’s Office and in the Public Integrity Section. These offices then consult to determine which matters may warrant a grand jury and full-field investigation. • The United States Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the FBI, conducts whatever additional investigation that Office deems appropriate. • At the conclusion of the investigation, the United States Attorney’s Office discusses any proposed federal charges with the Public Integrity Section. After this consultation, the United States Attorney’s Office prosecutes those charges. 120