Physical confrontations at polling places - planning for '06

[burythehatchet]

I'm curious. By what authority do republicans place their operatives in polling places to "cage" voters, intimidate them, and generally conduct activities designed to suppress voting by democrats?

What can we do to counter that?

Personally, I would be eager to defend the rights of Democrats at my polling place. Is this something that the democratic party has discussed?

[bryant69]

1. I would gather that officially anything they can do we can do

I don't know to what cage refers to - I assume by intimidation you would mean operatives in poorer communities talking about how voting might put the residents in danger? "Well go ahead and vote if you wnat to, just better be sure you don't owe the city any money or ka-blammo."

One obvious solution is to put one Democratic candidate at a polling place for every Republican weasel they have.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[lonestarnot]

3. I'll be there!

[mtnester]

5. Does anyone know if election protection will be engaging soon

or at all?

[RagAss]

2. Please explain....I'm not up on this topic

[TechBear_Seattle]

4. It depends on the state

By law in Washington, "election judges" and poll workers must include at least one representative of each major party (see RCW 29A.44.410-530 inclusive.) The idea is to prevent one party from threatening or otherwise intimidating voters of a different party.

Other states, however.... I recall that in many states, it is possible for precinct polls to be dominated exclusively by one or another party. Those are the laws that need to be targeted.

[burythehatchet]

6. Interesting

Perhaps we should conduct a DU project to research the state specific laws and act accordingly.

[SCDem]

7. I urge everyone to become a poll worker

There is so much talk about fear of voter intimidation and of course rightfully so. But democrats can do something about it. Contact your County board of Registration and Elections and sign up for the poll training and be a poll worker. I did this past primary election and am greatful for doing so. The Republican party in our area told their people 10-15 years ago to go out and do this training. Where were we?

Like Al Gore said - people jump from denial to despair with out realizing that there can be something in between and that is called ACTION.

[burythehatchet]

9. So its as simple as that

Just call the BoE and volunteer? Shouldn't this be a DU activist corp project?

[SCDem]

17. I guess it should

I actually found it by accident - a friend of my is a poll precinct captain and needed a poll manager for the primaries so I said OK. I enjoyed the process - and making sure it was easy and effortless for people to vote.

It was hard not to talk politics for a whole day - as that should not occur in a polling place.

I heard problems from people in other precincts or areas of my state. When I heard things that happened like having 7 voting booths but only 1 open because there wasn't a rush - Hello that shouldn't have happened and I know that because I took the training and no the proper procedures and encourged my friend to call the BoE and complain. Another friend had up a Republican opti-scan screen when she went to the booth and the poll worker came over and said oh that happens all the time. Well it shouldn't.

I didn't realize how much our votes and the smoothness of going to vote and voting is almost entirely reliant on the poll workers working your precinct.

Again I encourage everyone to do it.

[burythehatchet]

18. I just called my county BoE and got the process started

Thanks.

[SCDem]

20. Wow! That's great

I'm impressed. I mean it's not difficult at all and I constantly tell people who complain - and complaining is good and venting is good - but then they never get to the next step.

Thank you for taking action!

[TechBear_Seattle]

14. I desperately wish I could

But since I refuse to sign a document swearing allegiance to any of Washington's three major parties, I am prohibited by law from being a poll worker.

[dogday]

8. We need people with hidden cameras

to catch the action... I am dead serious....

[lonestarnot]

10. If they are not hidden will they attempt to run you off?

[dogday]

13. Probably...

I would think they would.. Privacy rules about people voting and all...

[ProdigalJunkMail]

16. are cameras allowed inside polling places?

I am sure you can use one outside...but inside MIGHT be an issue...I don't know, though. Just thinking out loud...

sP

[dogday]

19. I don't think they are, that's why

they would have to be hidden...

[ProdigalJunkMail]

21. well, if you are comfortable breaking the law

then feel free. But don't bitch if someone catches you with it...because you won't be voting that day...intimidation or not...

sP

[dogday]

22. We are trying to catch others breaking the law

If I can catch someone freaking with our votes, I would say it is worth it.. Wouldn't you???? I never bitch about my actions.... I admit to them and take responsiblity....


On edit: if votes are being tampered with, the fact of whether I vote or not will have no value..

[burythehatchet]

23. Its counterproductive to break the law while trying to

prevent others from doing the same. Ask yourself who would benefit if you are caught. Simply not a good idea.

[dogday]

24. I understand that...

Who would benefit if evidence is uncovered?? I don't want to break the law, I want to expose the corruption... I am not asking anyone to break it..


On edit: I guess it would be ok if cameras were there from TV stations filming wouldn't it??? Could obey the law and still try to help...

[ProdigalJunkMail]

25. dogday...I am with you on the voter stuff

and I wish we COULD carry cameras inside polling places...but as the law stands you would likely get in trouble. Just be careful if you go that route...

sP

[dogday]

27. It was an idea, a bad one at that .....

I don't want to break the law, but stay within the boundaries of what is allowed.. If I see news crews filming, I would assume it would be ok...

[ThomWV]

11. I Have A Conceiled Carry Permit

And you're telling me someone is planning on intimidating me somehow?

[burythehatchet]

12. No

The issue is how to conter the Republican tactics at polling places. How do we defend the rights of Democratic voters are suceptible to being intimidated.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

15. they generally don't allow firearms in polling places

Concealed Weapons Permit or not...bring one and they won't have to intimidate you to keep you from voting...they can lock you up legally.

sP

[Hobarticus]

28. Relax, Francis....

Last thing we need is people whipping firearms out in polling places.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

29. oh god that is funny...Francis...

I just spit my coffee out...fortuntately missed my laptop...

sP :spray:

[noneofmybusiness]

26. Can I come to help?

I'm sure it's in my interest too and I reckon most Europeans would join me ;)
Corrupt countries without proper elections often get foreign observers in to help ensure it's fair.
We'll need somewhere to stay tho.
In the meantime, why don't you all come to the UK?
Anyone from DU can stay at my house.

[burythehatchet]

30. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[noneofmybusiness]

32. Thank you

I spend a lot of time here actually, but I only just started posting recently.

[newyawker99]

35. Hi noneofmybusiness!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[dogday]

31. How about Jimmy Carter?

I know they won't officially let his team be a part of the election supervision, but how about an unofficial capacity? They are very experienced in regulating elections...

Now that is a better idea than the camera, right?

[burythehatchet]

33. I think Carter would be great for oversight

but the bottom line in everything that is occurring in politics now is the need for us, regular people to take matters into our hands as much as is possible and legal.

[dogday]

34. Working in conjunction with Carter

His group knows about elections, they are experienced and could help us as to what to look for, what to do, and yes, how not to break the law regarding privacy rights when voting...