NYT: Big G.O.P. Bid to Challenge Voters at Polls in Key State

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/23/politics/campaign/23vote.html?ei=5094&en=9f4420d7cc5a3720&hp=&ex=1098504000&partner=homepage&pagewanted=print&position=

Republican Party officials in Ohio took formal steps yesterday to place thousands of recruits inside polling places on Election Day to challenge the qualifications of voters who they suspect may not be eligible to cast ballots.

Party officials say their effort is necessary to guard against potential fraud arising from aggressive moves by the Democrats to register tens of thousands of new voters in Ohio, seen as one of the most pivotal battlegrounds in the Nov. 2 elections.

Election officials in other swings states, from Arizona to Wisconsin and Florida, say they are bracing for similar efforts by Republicans to challenge new voters at polling places, reflecting months of disputes over voting procedures and the anticipation of an election as close as the one in 2000.

Ohio election officials said they had never seen so large a drive to prepare for Election Day challenges. They said they were scrambling yesterday to be ready for disruptions in the voting process as well as alarm and complaints among voters. Some officials said they worried that the challenges could discourage or even frighten others waiting to vote.

Ohio Democrats were struggling to match the Republicans' move, which had been rumored for weeks. Both parties had until 4 p.m. to register people they had recruited to monitor the election. Republicans said they had enlisted 3,600 by the deadline, many in heavily Democratic urban neighborhoods of Cleveland, Dayton and other cities. Each recruit was to be paid $100.

[Cha]

1. WTF! WE better have our own

CHALLENGERS!

[Philostopher]

5. We do.

I just saw in the Dayton paper this morning, though, the Goopers have decided not to waste any personnel on Montgomery County. I don't know if their internal polling indicates it'll be close enough to even not to be worth messing with, or if the population isn't sufficient, but I was surprised to see them choose not to bother.

The Kerry campaign has been recruiting volunteers for this for weeks via e-mail. The only thing is, these people have to sign on to go in when the polls open and leave when the polls close. I suppose there's probably not going to be too much trouble finding enough Ohio trial lawyers to do this, though, since the Bush* Administration has made it policy to kick them in the 'nads at any opportunity.

I'm guessing the Dayton trial lawyers who'd already arranged to be available that day and who won't be needed in Dayton now, will probably volunteer to go down to Cincinnati. They'll be needed -- I still worry that it might come to blows in some places.

On edit -- Hmm. They say Dayton, but the Dayton Daily News reported this morning, in the local section, that they weren't going to do this here. Wonder if they changed their minds? Can you say 'flip-flop'?

[olddem43]

7. We will probably need them down here -

doubt that there are many Dem. lawyers in the Queen City.

[Philostopher]

16. Trial lawyers are going to get hammered if Bush* gets another four years.

Most of them are Dems, or at least pro-Kerry, even in Cincinnati, I'd wager. In fact, they often were -- Stan Chesley is one of the biggest contributors and supporters the Dems have in the state of Ohio, and he's a class-action lawyer. I've met Stan, he's a piece of work. Bill Clinton apparently thinks a great deal of Stan, and I'm damned sure he did his bit for Kerry and Edwards, too.

[aquart]

48. But at least they'll have full employment.

Because it looks like we plan to sue in every district with an irregularity.

[Cha]

I love Dem Lawyers!

THank you, nownow!

[RevolutionStartsNow]

24. Hey, I'm going to Dayton!

I'm coming out from California, I'll be in Clinton County, I called the Cinci office of ACT, they suggested that they need the most help in Dayton. So that's where I'm going!

My dad went to the Univ. of Dayton, so he's going to be psyched that I will be there on election day.

[Philostopher]

26. Clinton County is even more right-wing than Dayton.

That's Wilmington. Though frankly, with Wilmington College there (it's a Methodist college, if I remember correctly), you might have something to do.

We're planning on calling ACT at some point to see if they need a few hours of GOTV type 'ferrying to the polls' right here in Dayton and the 'burbs -- I could do a couple of hours in the a.m., Mr. Nownow could do a couple in the p.m. He's considering asking for the day off to see if there's anything he can do, I have to work that day, pretty much, but I work part-time in the afternoons.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

37. I know, I've spent some time in Wilmington

Seems pretty conservative, though last time I was there, we were driving in on 73 (I think; the highway that comes off 71 North and cuts over to Wilmington) and we counted more Kerry than Bush signs -- about 5 to 3 -- and noticed one house with a bunch of cars with Kerry stickers in the driveway, maybe it was a Meetup or something. Also spotted the K/E office in downtown Wilmington.

I did help convert one person in Wilmington, too. She was undecided when I met her several months ago, said she would wait and see who she liked better in the debates. I talked to her, gently, about the differences, but didn't push. I figured the debates would get her in Kerry's camp easily. But it didn't take that long; the next time I saw her, in July, she had watched F 9/11 and that was it. No way is she voting for *.

If you want the phone # of the ACT coordinator in Dayton, pm me. I'm sure they want and need the help, whatever you can give.

[Philostopher]

40. I grew up in Clermont County.

It's a straight shot down 68 and a little west of there, on the Ohio River. 73 is, indeed, the route that cuts across from Clinton into Montgomery County -- a beautiful drive, I've made it before just to take pictures out at Cowan Lake (I live south of Dayton). I know it's fairly rural, though between the college and what manufacturing is left -- some of which may still be organized labor -- it may not be as locked-up Republican as I think.

ACT has already called us, the Mr. gave them our number a few months back. He'll probably call somewhere in the next few days, he's now talking about taking Election Day off to see if he can help around here. I told him to put me in for a couple of hours in the morning -- I can help drive people to the polls, if nothing else. We've contributed pretty heavily since this time last year, neither of us is good at canvassing or talking to people about this stuff, we're both terrible at it. I think we care too much to be gentle, unfortunately.

Good luck with Wilmington!

[Corkey Mineola]

75. We're Going to Akron/Canton!

From San Francisco!
You contacted ACT? I was thinking of just calling the Kerry campaign in Akron.
Why ACT... what are they gonna have you doing that day?
Thanks and happy travels!


I went to Univ of Akron btw...

[RevolutionStartsNow]

93. ACT

I received an email from them asking for help just at the time I was deciding to go, so they won!

Not sure what I will be doing yet. I rented a mid-size car instead of a compact so I can drive people to the polls if I need to.

MoveOn is a good choice, too. Or as you said, just contact the campaign.

I can't wait -- can't imagine where I'd rather be on election day (other than Boston, with the K/E campaign).

[LiberalFighter]

41. Is there any rule that prohibits a challenger from re-entering

once they leave? If so it should be enforced.

[lizzieforkerry]

85. No it shouldn't!!! I am a challenger and I

have to leave to pick up my son from pre-school! Despite what is reported there ARE Dem challengers in Dayton! Please consider calling the Kerry headquarters in Wilmington if anyone wants to help with the GOTV. We still need people. To be a challenger you need to be registered in Ohio. Lizzie

[ldf]

72. their main intent

is probably to keep people from going to start with.

they are really cowards, and want to instill fear so they don't have to deal with a face-to-face encounter.

[Demeter]

56. We Need Educated and Trained Poll Workers

In MIchigan the word is out--poll workers need not give in to preemptory challenges. There must be some hard basis for the challenge, and workers may summon police to remove challengers who are disruptive and uncooperative. 911 here I come!

[July]

59. If every one of us knows our rights, we'll be fine.

We should all be finding out what to do if challenged, and also WHOSE challenge we have to respond to.

I don't think any state would require a voter to show ID, for example, to a volunteer Republican poll watcher.

[July]

61. And bring lots of ID.

Driver's license or other photo ID, voter registration card, and sample ballot -- maybe even a recent utility bill showing your address.

Know how to cast a provisional ballot, too, and to whom you should complain if denied a vote.

[rockymountaindem]

2. I see what they're trying to say...

"Nobody agreed with our message when we tried to sign them up as Republicans, so we're just gonna come down here and hassle everyone and make sure our democracy is protected by people NOT voting!"

Ugh...

[BeyondGeography]

3. I guess our 6-point lead is for real

And the Ohio Republicans hate us for our freedom (to vote).

[LiberalFighter]

42. Freedom is on the march (Take that gw*!!)

[young_at_heart]

4. They're PAYING people to harrass....what have we become?

This tactic is truly anti-American and needs to be brought out into the open.

[Sinnerman]

69. Repukes Plan on Steal Election Again

I seen on Drudge Report (Smudge) that GOP is going to scare Voters with Signs saying that if you do not have Photo ID you can't vote. Tipical rightwing scare tactics.

[jwirr]

94. I don't know what country we

live in anymore but it is not the United States I was born in. I was talking to a Finnish woman today who lived in Russia during the Stalin years - we talked about the elections then - I think that is the way repugs think it should be. One ruler with absolute power. God help us. By the way her relatives in Finland cannot understand why we are not fighting back literally in the streets already. I told her to tell them that us Dems still have hope for the system but if it fails lookout. They hate bushie.

[aquart]

6. Challenge? Or harass?

And what do they mean INSIDE POLLING PLACES? They aren't allowed INSIDE.

[progressivebydesign]

14. "may not be eligible to cast ballots. How will they determine THAT?

WHat do you think they'll be looking for???????????

[Philostopher]

19. Yes, they are.

There's an obscure Ohio law from the late 1800s -- back in the poll tax/literacy test (pre voting rights act) days -- that's still on the books in Ohio, though it's been considered obsolete pretty much since African Americans were given the vote. Blackwell has invoked it this year for the first time in decades, though, so the Goopers started gearing up. I think the Dems are ready, though. My biggest concern is potential confrontations between challenged voters and the Goopers' challengers, or between Dem challengeres and Gooper challengers, though. I'd love to be wrong, but it's becoming clearer by the day that Ohio is pivotal, Bush* is behind, and the Dems have outregistered the Republicans. Not only that, but there are very limited uses of electronic voting -- most of the voting here will either be paper/optical scan or punch card. We all know how to use those two methods, Ohio's been using one or another forever. That's not to the GOP's benefit, of course -- simple, easy voting ensures a large turnout, and especially in Ohio, a large turnout doesn't favor Republicans.

[progressivebydesign]

Are you suggesting they will be targeting African Americans?

Isn't that what that literacy/poll thing was all about back then? Are you serious? Are they going to go that low? This will be complete pandamonium.

[Philostopher]

22. I'm not directly suggesting that.

What I mean is that they'll be contesting in downtown districts where they suspect the larger proportion of voters are Democrats. In fact, it won't be all African Americans -- in Cincinnati, at least, college kids vote in many of the same precincts as AAs.

See, Cincinnati's a very segregated city, but Corryville, where the University of Cincinnati is, has precincts where both African Americans and college kids vote. In some places, it's more the union vote that will attract attention, and around here at least, that's pretty segregated.

They'll be hammering any districts they suspect to be overwhelmingly Democratic, that's what I'm suggesting -- and I'm suggesting it with the caveat that at least in Southwestern Ohio, many of those districts do tend to be occupied more by minorities and poor whites than middle-class minorities or whites.

Here's another example. I live in the southern 'burbs of Dayton, which are pretty white. I'd be willing to wager there won't be any poll challengers in my precinct, or in any of the precincts in my incorporation. I won't know this for a fact until 11/2, but I think it's a pretty safe bet.

The reason the district court tried to knock Blackwell down on the refusal to hand out provisional ballots was that it would overwhelmingly affect the poor and minorities. Everything he's tried to do, so far, was to affect some subset of the electorate in Ohio that would vote for Democrats. It's nakedly partisan, if not racist.

The very greatest irony in all this? Ken Blackwell is African American, and he originally made his mark in politics as a Cincinnati Democrat.

[aquart]

34. Kevin Blackwell looks at Michael Powell and says, "I can do that."

[Philostopher]

36. That's probably not an inaccurate assessment.

Except he's 'tripped at every step' so far (Jeez, that Elvis Costello Cruel Youth album is coming in handy this election cycle!). I'm beginning to wonder what Valhalla they've promised him, or what dirt they've dug up on him, to get him to behave in ways that will absolutely negate any possibility of his running for governor because he's alienated all the African Americans who might vote for him? They must have a real shit bomb on him, or they've promised him some plum assignment -- maybe they promised him Attorney General after the election?

Sheesh -- he's acting against his regional interests to try to get the Naked Emperor Ohio's electoral votes, since he couldn't get Diebold in here. There's no other explanation than that they promised him something or have some dirt on him. He could have done okay here in Ohio if he'd kept a low profile with the neocons and then run for Gov a few years down the road, regardless who won this election. He's screwed the pooch, though, since it's fairly obvious what he's doing is racist by way of being overtly partisan. I don't, by the way, think it's intentionally racist -- he's a Repbulican. In Ohio, African Americans who vote still vote overwhelmingly for the Democratic candidate. If it's racist, it's simply by that virtue -- it's the one thing I can't bring myself to accuse him of.

[progressivebydesign]

21. Are you suggesting they will be targeting African Americans?

Isn't that what that literacy/poll thing was all about back then? Are you serious? Are they going to go that low? This will be complete pandamonium.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

27. I don't understand. What does this old law say? How can ordinary citizen

"challenge" a voter at the polls?

[Philostopher]

35. I don't think 'ordinary citizens' can.

I seem to recall the poll challengers -- as opposed to poll watchers, which is a different thing -- have to have passed the Ohio bar exam. I think they have to be attorneys, in other words. The Kerry campaign sent me an e-mail about it, I'm relying on my (occasionally faulty, I admit) memory, here, but I'm pretty sure the 'challengers' have to be attorneys. Anybody can register as a poll 'watcher' -- but even they have to commit to the whole day. This is snipped from the e-mail soliciting poll 'watchers' (different from 'challengers'):

"We need volunteers at the polls to ensure voters rights. You do NOT need to be an attorney...you DO need to be trained. There will be one person assigned to one precinct and you must stay in that precinct cannot job share!).all day...6:30 am-7:30 pm. However, Julia says that your shift might look something like this: be present from 6:30 am-9 am (then leave until about 11 am); 11 am-1 pm (then leave and return about 4 pm); 4 pm-7:30 pm."

There are two things, in other words -- 'watchers' and 'challengers' -- one of which is something anybody who has Election Day off could do, the other which requires that you be an attorney. Poll watchers are probably common enough in highly-contested elections. The challengers are 'new' in that they haven't been used in my memory (I've been voting in Ohio since 1982), and I don't think have been used for many, many years.

[lizzieforkerry]

90. No, you don't have to

be an atty to be a challenger, just registered to vote in Ohio.

[Philostopher]

92. Here's the rules, from the Columbus Dispatch:

You're right, though I think they already have to be appointed, and I got the impression (though it's not noted here) that challengers have to devote to the entire day:

http://www.dispatch.com/election/election-president.php?story=dispatch/2004/10/19/20041019-B2-05.html

I was under the impression they had to be attorneys, for some reason. This sounds like a real clusterf*ck waiting to happen. I've been saying for weeks, now, I really worry about this making a mess in inner-city districts, where new voters already are nervous and expecting problems just navigating the voting process. I think they should have EMTs waiting in the wings, as well.

[LiberalFighter]

43. If repug challengers get belligerent then they need to be removed

[Skittles]

52. if one of those hired thugs "challenged" me

I'd call the police

[LiberalFighter]

81. Let others know AND

make sure the poll book watchers are advised what to do.

Poll book watchers keep track of targeted voters for GOTV

[jwirr]

95. You know the repugs have

been telling us about terrorist threats to the voting precincts. I call what the repugs have and are doing to voters terrorism. They are trying to threaten people away from the polls. I hope that every Dem voter walks right past them to vote and on their way out gives them a wink!!!!!! a symbolic spit in the eye. Just to let them know we have their number.

[Demeter]

57. Yes they are

The polls are public spaces and anyone can hang around as long as they want unless they break the peace.

[lizzieforkerry]

88. No, the law is that once you vote, you have to leave

[lizzieforkerry]

86. Yes we are!

We are allowed one Republican challenger and a Dem challenger inside the polls. Don't complain...it is a good thing. We will be there to make sure everyone can vote!!!

[fishnfla]

8. WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS!!!???!~!!

Intimidation pure and simple. What is happening to our country?

[aquart]

47. Nothing new.

But, like the Nazis claim to genocidal fame, much more efficient, better organized, and on a larger scale.

[meisje]

9. If a Repuke challenges me - I'll punch him in the nose!

Gotcha you fucking bastard... sucker punch style!

[fishnfla]

11. Vote first

then kick his ass once for me too

[lizzieforkerry]

89. The law in Ohio

is that they can't arrest you until after you vote!

[sr_pacifica]

20. I see a lawsuit on the horizon.

This is so fraught with the likelihood of discrimination. If they dare challenge me, with my dykey looks, I'll give 'em hell.

I'm in California, though, and I suppose this is only going to happen in closely contested states. Unless they decide to go to the states with high Latino populations too.

Damn 'em to hell.

:mad:

[MileHiStealth]

10. My novel approach.. Trojan Voters

Me and a bunch of my friends , most who are voting
for the first time, registered as Repugs.We answer
any polls in favor of Bush. And on election day,
we will vote his chimp ass back to Crawford !!!

[connecticut yankee]

12. I just hope

there are lots of you guys.

:yourock:

[Carolab]

44. Just remember to switch back

for primaries

[progressivebydesign]

13. Do we need armed escorts to the polling place?? WTF?

Sounds like they are preparing to HARRASS voters!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remind me AGAIN why this is different from the early days of the Third Reich? And why we're not supposed to talk about that?

[MileHiStealth]

18. Have fun with it !!!

Wear Bush/Cheney buttons, t-shirt, whatever into
the booth, vote for Kerry/Edwards, change into
your K/E gear and exit the polls telling everyone
you've just had an Epiphany :)

[Norbert]

39. Good idea vbut...

I simply cannot lower myself to put a bush/cheney '04 button on. I'd rather be beaten with a club.

[Nicholas_J]

15. They are very worried because dems registered 5 times as many new voters

as republicans, which is why bush looks like he is going to cry, they will have a lot of problems doing that as we have a lot more lowyers ready to prevent them from preventing any legally registered voter from voting and we are not going to let them define what a legally registered voter is.

[sr_pacifica]

17. This part of the article---

"Ohio election officials said that by state law, the parties' challengers would have to show "reasonable" justification for doubting the qualifications of a voter before asking a poll worker to question that person. And, the officials said, challenges could be made on four main grounds: whether the voter is a citizen, is at least 18, is a resident of the county and has lived in Ohio for the previous 30 days."

I can just see every hispanic voter being questioned. The ACLU needs to get in on this.

[sweetheart]

55. Has lived in ohio for the previous 30 days

How does a homeless person prove this? What about somebody who
just came back from holiday in florida? What if someone works in
chicago, and commutes from columbus?

I hope that the democratic party emails its whole electronic base
before the polls instructing them what identification to take, and
proof (like water bills, etc.) just to minimize such challenges.

What is the "going to the polls" checklist? Is it on a website?

[jwirr]

96. Good question:

What would a homeless person need to show residency since he/she does not have an address?

[Fritz LeChat]

23. Rehnquist Has Deep Roots in Poll Harrassment

Common Dreams ran this story on Chief Rehnquist showing his true stripes years ago...

"...The guy called himself Bill. He knew the law and applied it with the precision of a swordsman. He sat at the table at the Bethune School, a polling place brimming with black citizens, and quizzed voters ad nauseam about where they were from, how long they'd lived there -- every question in the book. A passage of the Constitution was read and people who spoke broken English were ordered to interpret it to prove they had the language skills to vote..."

more:

http://www.commondreams.org/views/120200-101.htm

[DeepModem Mom]

38. Interesting info, Fritz -- welcome to DU --

[DoveTurnedHawk]

25. I Have Outrage Fatigue

Every day, a new, bigger outrage.

:grr:

DTH

[Raster]

28. Once again, the Democrats encourage people to vote. The repubs....

are doing EVERYTHING to restrict the number of people voting. In essence, the repubs are saying your vote is not as important or valid as theirs, and preventing you from voting is justified.

This is the number one issue that fuckin' fries my lizard. It is the right and obligation of the citizens to vote in a democracy. That's what makes it work. To think that one of the two major political parties is expending excessive amounts of time and money to discourage and disenfranchise voters is a loud, clear signal that the system is horribly flawed. Once sanity returns to the halls of government, President Kerry should appoint a blue-ribbon, bi-partisan panel to fix the electoral process in this country. We must demand it.

We have had two magical events happen within the last few years. The first was the coming together of the country and the planet after 9/11. We had a tremendous opportunity to focus our energies into dealing with international terrorism, to examine and correct both causes and effects. Needless to say, our government blew that opportunity. This next opportunity is happening now. It is the awakening of the citizenry of the United States. We have a chance to wrest control from the corporate war/petroleum profiteers and forge a new direction for our country. We have a chance to once again have a government of, for and by the people. We will not have this chance again.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

29. If they go this route, what's to prevent Dems from challenging every

fat white guy driving a Lincoln Navigator up to the poll, on their "qualifications"?

[Zorra]

30. So, what happens if you just refuse to speak with these people and tell

them to fuck off?

Do they have the legal right to physically accost you and prevent you from casting your ballot?

If one of these filthy reptiles assaulted me when I went to vote I would pepper spray them and call the police.

[milkyway]

31. The main thing they're doing is making it such a hassle to vote that

people will leave. It doesn't matter as much if they win the challenges or not, the repugs just want to make voting as tough as possible. It's going to be like the repug white riot in Miami all over again, but this time in front of people waiting to vote.

[ThePhilosopher04]

32. It "ain't" gonna be pretty!!!...

I don't live in Ohio but I DARE some worthless piece of repuke shit to try and challenge my right to vote!!!

[grasswire]

33. planning to keep minorities away, are they??

I'll wager that's the plan.

[Julien Sorel]

49. If you're black, you're suspect.

I actually hope I get challenged here in AZ -- someone will end up regretting it. I'm probably too physically intimidating, but there are some pretty stupid people in the world, so you never know.

[VolcanoJen]

45. What are the qualifications of these 3,600 yahoos?

I smell voter intimidation by freeper goons.

As a Buckeye, I've grown a bit more frightened.

[bluestateguy]

46. reply

If some GOP "poll watcher" ever interfered with my right to vote at the polls they would find themselves watching the election returns from the hospital emergency room.

[Pluvious]

50. And their uniform is a Brown Shirt

"The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress."
-Frederick Douglass

[DeepModem Mom]

51. This is the LEAD story in the NYT today -- the theft of this election...

is underway. I hope we have the ability/resources to stop it.

[freeminder]

53. This is beyond me.

How is it possible that partisans (from any party for that matter) get to challenge voter's rights?

That is taken care of in the registration process, no?

I can understand the need for watchers but challengers?? OMG.

I told my wife this morning I'm expecting civil war in the US if things continue this way.

[cmd]

54. It happened yesterday in my county - eastern Ohio

The Republicans want to throw out 1500 registrations. Our lawyer is on it. I'll keep you informed.

[PROUDNWLIBERAL]

58. Challenge the challengers

If challenged ask the challenger their name, party affiliation and their address. Be sure they give their address to see if they live in the voting precinct, if they don't live in the precinct tell them they are illegal. This may intimidate the challengers if they know their address will be given out to a pissed off voter.

[July]

60. They'll just lie, but we can ask for proof that they're election officials

And they'll probably also have "official-looking" documents from the RNC, so don't go into the voting booth knowing the name of the election authority in your county (e.g., Such and Such Elections Board, So and So Board of Elections).

[mmonk]

62. Let them

and let the chaos ensue. It will reveal their nature to the public. Most people understand voting is the essential sacred bedrock of democracy.

[Q]

63. The GOP plan here is to SLOW DOWN THE LINES AND RUN OUT TIME

....until the polls close. In 2000...thousands of people were turned away...not able to vote because of long lines and 'technical problems' with machines.

[Jawja]

65. I propose that when "time runs out"

at the voting booth, as it did with counting all the votes in Florida, that those who have waited in line only to have to defeat challenges from Brownshirts, refuse to leave and loudly protest.

If this bullying and thuggery over voting is what they want, then the only response is mass demonstration, I'm afraid.

I propose that democrats with video cameras get the bullying and thuggery on tape, just in case Big Media doesn't think it's a story.

[rocktivity]

78. If you are on line before the polls close YOU CANNOT BE TURNED AWAY

And the polling place MUST STAY OPEN until the last person has voted, no matter how long it takes.

:headbang:
rocknation

[LittleWoman]

64. I saw this coming at the primary last March

and I have been warning everyone in earshot ever since. The key to this is the poll workers. According to the Ohio Revised Code they decide whether or not an individual can cast a vote. If a majority agree, the voter can vote. This is not a perfect system by any means. I have been a poll worker for many years and will be again this year and I have never seen anything like this.
The challengers have to register with the Board of Elections (deadline was 4:00 p.m. yesterday) and must have a letter from the Board authorizing their presence as a challenger. These individuals can challenge a voter on the grounds stated on an earlier post, but the poll workers must decide by a majority vote as to whether or not an individual can vote. It is important to note that in Ohio as far as I know each precinct has an equal number of Republican and Democratic poll workers so things could get interesting. I think the problems will arise when voters who are not listed in the poll books request a provisional ballot. Blackwell has made such a hash of this issue, the latest being raked over the coals by the federal judge who issued the ruling that voters can vote a provisional ballot in the county in which they reside and not just in their individual precinct. This has been appealed so it could be subject to change. My best advice is to find out either on the internet or by phone where your precinct is and bring a picture ID with your current address. If your ID shows a different address bring something like a current utility bill with your correct address. If you are a naturalized citizen bring your naturalization papers or a US passport if you have one. As a poll worker I will fight for the right to vote for everyone who comes to vote.

[misterphelps]

66. THIS must become the centerpiece of the campaign

Democrats want everyone to vote and have their voices heard. The repugs are doing everything they possibly can to depress voting and dissuade new voters from coming out to vote. The choice is clear: a true democracy, or an authoritarian state pretending to be democratic.

There has to be another grass roots push to educate new voters of their rights, and to enrage them over their treatment

[misterphelps]

67. A direct attack on black voters

This is targeted at urban Ohio. Areas with the largest black populations.

I only hope this so angers their communities that it has the opposite effect and turns them out in ever greater numbers.

[ohtransplant]

68. The best plan is to be prepared

We in Ohio who are informed need to spread the word to those who aren't.

First of all, vote early if you can. I called my Board of elections yesterday and they suggested I come to their office to vote. They have a voting machine set up and any votes will be recorded as absentees.

Second, we obviously need to get people to the polls ( with ID)and make sure they're allowed to vote. Understand there could be a certain level of chaos especially if turnout is high as expected.

People (voters)need to be prepared to vigorously challenge the challengers. At all levels of our government, the ability to document the facts is key. Those faced with a challenge need to note date, time, names, witnesses, etc...Without the facts, it's looked at as a mere accusation. Unfortunately, we saw in 2000 that complaints after the election fall on deaf ears.

Lastly, we need to hope and pray the Democratic party is prepared on election day and fights for every vote.

God Bless the USA.

[MsMagnificent]

70. A Stormtrooper in every voting booth - How nice!

/sarcasm

[Justitia]

71. GOP= goons & thugs thwarting democracy

I cannot believe this is happening in 2004 America!

Man, oh man, we are heading back to the days of Mississippi Burning, pre-Civil Rights Act, Jim Crow laws, intimidation, disruption and potential for violence.

Unbelievable!

Nat'l Lawyers Guild, ACLU, hell, will the FBI help us (or hurt us)?

Good God, this is insane!

[young_at_heart]

73. Evidently the Republicans are determined to rule and take over the country

It's obvious that the "former" USA is gone. A LTTE in my paper today predicted that Bush will win by a landslide and that both houses will have a huge majority because most people in the country don't trust Democrats to be "tough on terrorism". Is this brainwashing, by any chance? We can only pray that such crazy thinking is in the minority!

[cubsfan forever]

84. Ignore the * landslide talk

They are simply trying to suppress the vote, and dishearten us. We vote, we win.

Professor 2

[Bandit]

74. I believe this is totally illegal

If it is sponsored by the RNC then they are subject for law suits for voter intimidation and probably much more. Not that the law suits will change the outcome and that is all they care about. Once they win the election then the rest can be taken care of. We should have people of our own there letting folks know that they only have to talk to the person giving them their ballot. They need not show anyone else anything or talk to anyone else. Oh how I wish we as a country were like Oregon with "Vote By Mail" They don't ever have to worry about any of these type things.

[jwirr]

97. I think this actually started

with us. We have been trying to prevent another 2000 outcome and have been asking for volunteers to work the polls for months now. What will be illegal is actual harrasment. But that is hard to prove. Dem voters have to go to the polls, face them down, vote and then take a little time to stand outside the polling place to help the Dems going in with information and encouragement.

[Robert Oak]

76. this looks like it could potentially be a riot

I really wonder just how intensively America is going to react to
another election stealing.

[Corkey Mineola]

77. What's the Limitations on their Actions at the Polls?

I did this at a polling place in 1992, in South Carolina. No repugs in site.
I just watched to make sure that the sign-in people didn't give anybody a hard time.
Oh and two people went into a booth together. That was the big event of the day.

I'm not sure the repugs can hover over the sign-in table and disrupt like they did during the FL recount debacle. Or can they?

[selmo7]

79. Also very concerned

that (1) with process slowdown, people will get frustrated and leave - because they have to go to work or get to their kids and (2) some of these paid poll watchers will be there to harass and incite violence. It's disconcerting when they say they do not know if they will open up their poll watcher "training" to the public or reporters. Frankly I am disgusted. But I believe we will PREVAIL.

[msanthrope]

80. Camera Phones--and we need a centralized place on the web where

we can post the pictures of all of these "poll watchers".

[VegasWolf]

82. That is an excellent idea!

New Information Shows Bush Indecisive, Paranoid, Delusional

[CTyankee]

83. anybody organizing a massive protest

to see it coverd on the Sunday political talk shows? We need to get this thing out bigtime (a la Sinclair).

My fear is that the Dem voters who are challenged won't be able to stick around to see through their challenge of the challenger because most of them will be working folks who punch a clock.

[lizzieforkerry]

91. If they are challenged in Ohio

they can vote provisional and then go to work and get on with their life as long as the provisional isn't overturned. We need to remind everyone that as long as we have provisionals nothing will happen to people's vote if they are challenged...So tell everyone you know in Ohio that if they are challenged to ask for a provisional!! The GOP wants us to get all upset about this so that people will think it is going to be too much of a hassle to vote and not come! This can't happen!

[saigon68]

87. Rove to Asscrap-- use the FBI to keep those black men out of here

They will kill their own mothers to allow the NeoCon Corporations to make a profit.

[banana republican]

98. Ballots or Bullets Which is it??? n/t