My mother became a citizen this year and the first thing she did was register to vote. She has been very excited. She has been passing out campaign literature, and offering to drive people to the polls on election day “Unless they are voting for Bush then they can walk”. She has gotten fiery about the election. Last night she came looking for me at the Columbus ACT office where I was working. She had received phone calls last night telling her to be prepared to be challenged at the polls. The Republicans are trying to place “Challengers” at every polling place to challenge anyone they don’t think should be voting.
My mother is afraid that they are going to keep her from voting. She is afraid of the racism, she is afraid that because she is brown, and has an accent she will be targeted.
Even, if I didn’t agree with her that she probably will be targeted just by threatening to have challengers at the polls the republican party has already scared off minority voters. This does not ensure democracy.
My mother asked me to go with her to help her vote. I can’t because I am working as an interpreter for Project Vote attorneys on election day. I’ve told her to call me if anything happens and then I’ll go down with her.
If anyone isn’t volunteering on election day and wants to do one little but important thing, would you be willing to go with my mom to the polls in Upper Arlington?
I hope she gets her vote out w/out any problems.
I heard about these fucking “challengers” on the radio this morning. Apparently, they have private training sessions. Whatever. Supposedly, they can only ask if you are a citizen, if you’ve lived in the couty for more than 30 days, and if you are old enough to vote. But I also heard the DNC is trying to get Dem “challengers” at the polls too, to keep an eye on these pricks. Apparently, it’s also perfectly legal for one citizen to challenge another if they feel something fradulent is happening.
I have to work all day and I’m voting at 6:30am, on my way to work. Otherwise I’d totally take your mom to the polls.
My friend Angie lives in Arlington and will take your mom to the polls. She wants to get in touch with you ASAP. Call me at work 555-5555
Hey, did you hear the courts ruled this morning to bar challengers from polling places? Sweet!
It’s about time!
Isn’t it only for one county? I think as of 230pm today they were still appealing.
It’s crazy how down to the wire this all is. No matter what happens tomorrow there’s going to be so many appeals from both sides. I read the justice department is sending out their own monitors in order to monitor the republican challengers.
Have you heard about the democrats who were sent back their voter info and were declared as republicans? The Washington Post has a good collection of views from around the country.
My buddy and I were talking about what’s gonna happen tomorrow night. I know, at least among my friends, if Bush wins, there’s gonna be a lot of angry energy needing some sort of release.
Your mom shouldn’t be scared of going to the polls (though I completely understand where the fear comes from) but the republicans are going to be very aware of how closely they’re going to be watched (and maybe even lulled into doing something stupid). We certainly have it 1000 times better than many countries when it comes to voting fairness.
Alas, challengers have been allowed.
How is that not voted intimidation again? Oh, and they recommend you bring 2 pieces of identification. Isn’t it illegal for them to ask you for ID?