Ashcroft's directive, which was to remain in effect for 60 days, allows FBI field supervisors unusually broad authority to use personnel from other agencies to conduct interviews, assist in any surveillance of potential terrorism suspects and help in other anti-terror duties. It's not clear whether the FBI has used this special authority. But agents have begun meeting with Muslim leaders across the country to try to gather intelligence — a move that some Muslims have criticized, saying it puts them in a position of being forced to reveal their political views or talk about their neighbors.

Agents have begun surveillance on an undisclosed number of people whom the FBI views as potential terrorism suspects. Agents also are asking owners of rental storage units whether they have noticed any customers moving suspicious materials into and out of the facilities.

Democrats claim this is but another heavy-handed Republican tactic to "create a climate of fear" and suppress voter turnout. Leaders of Arab and Muslim groups are also concerned.

Engy Abdelkader, civil rights director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, says that Arab-Americans and other minorities could choose to stay away from the polls if they believe that federal agents will be questioning people there. This could have a very politically chilling effect on our community,” Abdelkader says. “We are monitoring this very closely.”