Voter intimidation?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-09-2000
Voter intimidation?
6
Tue, 11-04-2008 - 5:25pm

Here's an issue that has arisen in Philly

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Black_Panther_Voter_Intimidation.html

Here a guy has been parked in front of my kids' elementary school all day right on the 100 ft. line with campaign signs all over his vehicle. His right? Yes. Annoying? IMO, yes. Especially when parents are trying to find a place to park so they can pick up kids from school while this guy takes up 3 spaces with his signs, car and lawn chairs. Or parents are trying to walk by and he wants to "campaign" to everyone who walks by, even if they've already voted early or by mail. I'm also curious if this type of campaigning is really effective. Do people really go to vote and decide to vote for/against an issue or for/against a candidate because "some dude outside had signs"? Hey, want to do some good on election day? Call people to encourage them to vote, drive people who can't drive so they can vote, heck, rake some shut-in's yard just to be a good neighbor, but just hanging out all day in front of the school. Seems like a waste to me.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2005
Tue, 11-04-2008 - 5:27pm

As to the one polling place in Philly:

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Registered: 08-26-2007
Tue, 11-04-2008 - 5:32pm

I'm not sure what the think that they would accomplish with standing there, but I will say in all honesty what would the media do if there were two guys standing outside a polling place in White Robes and hoods?


Not trying to stir, it is just that it isn't right IMHO either way around it, and

Avatar for adamsmomplus2
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Registered: 09-09-2000
Tue, 11-04-2008 - 5:38pm

I don't mind the enthusiasm at all. I guess what bothers me is the just "hanging out" by the polling place. For me (not necessarily others) I want to go and vote without any interference at all. I don't want an exit poll, I don't want the signs within sight of the polling place. Once the polling place is in view, IMO, the campaigning should stop and voters should be free to cast their vote without any perceived persuasion. I did see two local candidates out today at a major intersection, waving signs and waving to passing cars. I love that. I love the enthusiasm there because it separates it a bit for me.

As for the men in Philly, one of those men was a "watcher", fine. I see no reason why ANYONE has any business holding a weapon out in front of the entrance to a polling place. They can say no one was intimidated all they want, but I can tell you, if I were going there to vote, I would feel intimidated just by virtue of the night stick. That should have been dealt with long before anyone felt the need to call police.


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Registered: 07-24-2006
Tue, 11-04-2008 - 6:29pm
I saw the video a guy had that was talking with the guys.

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Avatar for adamsmomplus2
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-09-2000
Tue, 11-04-2008 - 6:41pm

If they were, in fact, "security", why did the police ask the man without the official "watcher" designation to leave? Just because someone claims to be "security" doesn't make it so.

I'm sorry to hear there was a shooting at a polling place. That is horrible.


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Registered: 10-14-2004
Tue, 11-04-2008 - 8:32pm
I cannot stand when people hang around polling places.