Election Workers Terrorized In Trump Republicans' Attack On 2020 Results - Rachel Maddow - MSNBC

[Rhiannon12866]

Rachel Maddow shares details from a new Reuters report about the threats and intimidation faced by even the most local election workers from people inspired by Donald Trump's lying about foul play in the 2020 election, and Attorney General Merrick Garland's promise to crack down on such behavior. Aired on 06/11/2021.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. On our town's FB page, we had a mild attempt that disparaging our recent local elections.

I've been a poll worker in our town for 8+ years, along with the same women.

There's a loud-mouthed malcontent who criticizes everything in this town from garbage pick-up to the mayor (who's Muslim).

Wednesday she had a flurry of smug criticisms against the organization of our local elections, everything from the color of the ballot tickets (I'm serious) to the locations of a wrong door in the building to vote. (We've been in the cafeteria of a school consistently for 8+ years.) Followed by a baseless conclusion of "Trust the current officials in charge to mess up a simple primary election".

I wasn't going to let those FB statements go unanswered. I went after her full force. She begged the question and claimed I was biased because the poll workers were my "friends," and I (again) had to fix the record by pointing out the difference between friends and co-workers. I told her that her claims with baseless and without merit.

And you know what? She backed down and didn't back up any of her claims/conclusions.

We should all push back when our elections are challenged arbitrarily. Fortunately I had experience to use.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. Good for you! (for both your election service and for successfully defending those who serve)

Suddenly, thanks to the former guy ignoring all legalities, rules and norms, all bets are suddenly off and everyone and anyone feels entitled to imitate his baseless claims. And, as was said, this doesn't bode well for future elections if those with knowledge and experience are successfully scared off. And the fact that all the ridiculous claims were either refuted or thrown out of court doesn't seem to have made a difference. Like Rachel Maddow said last night, there are those who could simply throw out legitimate election results if they didn't like the way they turned out. Like you, those with experience need to stand up to them, but it's not going to be easy after all that happened in this one last election.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. Being aware of the intimidation by Oath Keepers and Wannabes,

I was compelled to defend the other poll workers (some of whom were Republicans), the Municipal Clerk, and the county Board of Elections. If we remain silent, it's interpreted as agreeing with the accusations. I don't care that the attacks came from someone who always finds something to complain about. (BTW, nobody challenges her on FB. She wouldn't concede to me BTW; she called it "a tie". GFY.)

And you know what? Our voting district is very accurate and can account for every single vote. IOW, as gatekeepers, we prevent every questionable vote from being cast on the voting machines and give out provisional ballots for the County to determine as valid.

[Rhiannon12866]

4. I'm aware that when I go to vote, there are poll workers designated either Democratic or Republican

But whenever I've gone to vote they're all seated together and there to help every voter through the process, there's no discrimination. Our votes are secret, after all. And, before now, no hostility among voters, either. And there have to be rules or norms that prevent that and I would think that if anyone started showing hostility or invading privacy that they'd be prevented from serving. There are no "ties" in elections - or if it's close, that's when they have run-offs. With the same poll workers there to ensure that the process goes fairly and smoothly - for everyone.

[mopinko]

5. they rly are the kkk.

esp the oaf creepers.