Vote-rigging allegations trigger probe in Tarrant County (TX), but professor sees politics as usual

[KamaAina]

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/news/2016/10/16/allegations-voter-fraud-tarrant-county-spark-state-investigation

A state investigation is underway over allegations of voter fraud in Tarrant County, according to a report from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Concerns have arisen over mail-in ballots, which many believe open the door to "vote harvesting," or the process of illegally filling out and returning the ballots of valid voters without their consent....

Some believe the investigation is likely politically motivated and might scare some out of voting via mail-in ballots, while others say it is addressing an issue that has existed for years....

Rotinghaus said whether or not there is lawbreaking going on, "the issue of voting is polarized and revelations this close to an election are bound to have an effect on Democratic Party and affiliated groups' efforts to get out the vote. Voters may be hesitant to sign up for or vote through a mail-in ballot, let alone give it to someone else. This may reduce turnout in some heavily Democratic areas that utilize this process."

Um, excuse me? Don't they have to be signed? And doesn't the signature have to match the one on the registration form??

[Thinkingabout]

1. I talked to someone who worked in the voter registration office and they handled the

Mail in ballots. She said two people, one a Democrat and one Republican would compare the signatures. That got my attention. I had planned to vote by mail but changed my mindv after this. I will be early voting but will go in person.

[LisaL]

2. That's exactly why I don't want to vote by mail.

I think there is a high chance of vote not being counted. So, thanks but no thanks.

[fun n serious]

3. In Oregon we can track our votes online..

the signature is checked by a computor and compares it to DMV records.

[KamaAina]

5. DMV records? And if the person doesn't have a driver's license or ID?

[fun n serious]

8. They had to have one at one point in their lives.

We allow everone to be able to get ID or Drivers license including undocumented immigrants and we have services where you can get a voucher for free ID.

[KamaAina]

12. Not just seniors. People with disabilities and poor people.

And an increasing number of millennial Portlandians who have abandoned the automobile.

[fun n serious]

16. They have state issue ID

If they do not have one on them the signature is on file from previously. We have agencies that give out vouchers to get free ID

[LisaL]

6. What if the person doesn't have a driver's license?

They are still supposed to be able to vote.

[fun n serious]

9. We make getting one easy

[semby2]

10. Vote tracking

Does it tell you which candidates you voted for?

[fun n serious]

13. Yes it does.

[LisaL]

15. Seriously? There is another problem.

If you can look on-line who you voted for, then so can someone else.

[Thinkingabout]

19. Have to agree with this, I am a vote in privacy person, I can say who I vote for but my ballot

should be secret.

[atreides1]

4. ???

Tarrant County, is Republican controlled! The county commission, county government, even the justice of the peace offices, have Republican majorities!

And LBJ was the last Democratic President to win Tarrant County!

[LisaL]

7. Well, exactly.

[semby2]

11. Issue

My main concern with mail in votes is that a domineering husband could ensure his entire family votes the "right" way.

[fun n serious]

14. Nope. The signiture is matched

from what you signed at DMV

[LisaL]

17. I don't want somebody deciding if something I signed, potentially many years ago, matches

to the signature on my ballot. I don't always sign things the exact same way.

[fun n serious]

18. I think it works better for us.

We do not have a wide spread issue. Elderly and disabled actually vote easier by mail. I suppose if you are capable of going to a voting booth you're capable of updating your ID. http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/04/vote_fraud_is_extremely_rare_a.html