Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

KP, California — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:58:07 GMT

Whoops! Paging Katherine Harris! Bwah hahahahaha!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

DV, CA — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:59:19 GMT

It isnt disinfranchisement if

1) You are too stupid to read instructions.
2) The people that gave you the forms where to lazy to explain them to you.

“There is no reason to reject a form that includes all necessary legal requirements,” said Jon Seaton

Except people didnt check the box like it instructed. That's it. Case closed. Perhaps you should pay more attention.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Unbelievable — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:59:31 GMT

So now oaths/affirmances don't matter to the GOP? What a shock.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

jawillie (I'll keep submitting till you post me), Philadelphia, PA — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:00:03 GMT

Shades of 2004. Karma comes back to bite the GOP in the a--. Truly, what goes around, comes around.

Obama/Biden '08!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

laughaday — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:02:34 GMT

Oh really?
Is that the reasoning you and other states are using for those voters in foreclosure? Stop whining, be a maverick and a reformer, and actually comply with the law for once

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Greg Chicago — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:06:30 GMT

A little taste of your own medicine Repubs. Now you know how it feels when you screw over the poor and disefranchised Democratic voters.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

voter — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:07:09 GMT

Wow ain't karma a witch. Ha I love it.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

MM — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:07:56 GMT

Republicans fill out forms wrong and won't a redo. Democrats do what they are told and not respond to mail and get voter caged. I guess Karma catches up to people in some point in time.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Bob, Chicago — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:08:01 GMT

Why is it so hard for the GOP to follow the rules? Oh I get it...they are above the law.

Bob, Chicago

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Carrie in TX — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:08:41 GMT

I have no crocodile tears to shed for the Republicans. I’m sitting in Houston waiting for Hurricane Ike. Where is McCain and all the Republicans’ tender concern for us that they had for the Gustav folks during the Republican convention? Oh right, no one’s watching now. Hypocrites……..

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Jim, Mesa, AZ — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:10:56 GMT

Is this not the ultimate irony!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

egr — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:11:24 GMT

What's good for the goose is good for gander...except when it is Republicans on the receiving end!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Larry Criag — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:11:29 GMT

Sorry McBush, your little Hitler Youth stole one election, Americans won't let you steal another.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

James, Tucson — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:11:41 GMT

What if?

Governor Palin is elected VP, and is later found guilty of the abuse of power charges that are floating around in Alaska. Has an federally elected official been convicted of crimes that were committed when they held lower positions of government? Do they usually resign, or are they disciplined by their current peers?

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Alison, FL — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:12:29 GMT

FIRST READ...THIS STORY IS SO BOGUS! THE REAL STORY IS THAT THE MCSHADY CAMPAIGN MAILED APPLICATIONS TO OBAMA SUPPORTERS I.E. DEMOCRATS! THIS IS A SMOKE-SCREEN! OMG, CHECK WITH TOM HARTMAN ON AIR AMERICA RADIO, HE HAS BEEN GETTING CALLS AND EMAILS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY INCLUDING NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, COLORADO, MICHIGAN - ALL THE PURPLE STATES! THE REAL QUESTION IS, WHY IS THE MCCAIN CAMPAIGN SENDING ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS TO PEOPLE???????

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

gcc — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:15:27 GMT

Here's a kicker. Obama supporters in Ohio have been calling up radio stations the last couple days and saying "Why am I getting a absentee ballot application from John McCain?" And saying they smell a rat.

Now this.

Is the McCain campaign really upset about this? Are repubs the one's whose vote won't be counted? Media should be checking WHO these things were actually sent to.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

TMCN — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:17:54 GMT

Gee, they're having a bad time trying to steal votes - poor badly treated Republicans

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Clara Kansas City, MO — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:21:16 GMT

Wow, the Repubs seem pissed the controversy isn't in their 'favor'; but could care less about disenfranchised voters in FL or OH circa 2000 and 2004, respectively.

Shocking news, just shocking.

Give me a break, at least they are making accomodations,...Watch the HBO docudrama on this topic, you may not be so outraged.

If she didn't adhere to the rules, she would get villified the other way, at least she is erring on the side of LEGAL.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

IwasAmused, Florida — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:24:00 GMT

The McCain campaign are like spoiled children. The law is the law, but just like they figure they can get away with consistantly lying to the American people, they think they can change the law to make up for their incompetence.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

IwasAmused, Florida — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:24:36 GMT

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

jus askin — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:26:35 GMT

can't republicans read and follow instructions?

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

LogicNow, Tucson — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:27:36 GMT

Brunner today insisted that state law “provides absolutely no room to accept forms if the voter has not taken the step of affirming that he or she is an eligible voter."

Republican voters disenfranchised? Wow, that would be a first!! And it sounds like they were disenfranchised by their own party by putting out a confusing form. Of course, if it were the Dems, I'm sure the Republicans would voice their righteous anger on behalf of them too, right??

Obama/Biden '08

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

It sux 2 B U — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:27:57 GMT

Tough, follow the rules.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

You have got to be kidding!, Anchorage, AK — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:29:11 GMT

They are not being disenfranchised. They are being asked to read and follow directions (not that difficult). Something we are taught from elementary. Ever taken a mandatory test (IOWA Basics, SATs, ACTs, etc.).? Campaigns and voters are required to comply with Federal & STATE laws regarding voter registration and requesting absentee ballots. Stop complaining!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

VoteForAmerica — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:29:54 GMT

http://voteforamerica.net/electoral.aspx

Sept 12 Polling Update
http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/Comments.aspx?ArticleId=51&ArticleName=Daily+Poll+Update+(9%2f12)

The Red November: An analysis on campaign marketing:
http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/Comments.aspx?ArticleId=50&ArticleName=The+Red+November

A Referendum on Who?
http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/Comments.aspx?ArticleId=48&ArticleName=A+Referendum+on+Who%3f

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Beverly in Chicago — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:30:57 GMT

Are you sure McCain wants qualified electors who request an absentee ballot to not be disenfranchised? McCain really wants to be the oldest president in US History.
He will do and say anything to get elected. Remember he didn't even vet his Veep. He and she sure have lying esp. her since the RNC!
Enough glossing over!
Enough
No way!
No how!
No McCain/Palin!
Nobody but Obama/Biden

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:33:28 GMT

but voters from poor districts with a different address must be turned away, right mr republican? your candidate's campaign made a huge error so get over it and do whatever work needs to be done so that it can be corrected.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Mr. Magoo — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:36:32 GMT

The McCain supporters probably forgot their bifocals!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Richard, Delmar NY — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:39:39 GMT

Rules are rules and the Rupublicans use them all the time to disenfranchise. The response to the action is disengeniour, when Seaton says that all necessaary legal requirements were met. They were not, obviously.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Richard — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:40:39 GMT

It is boggling to me that McCain's team would protest their own form? If Republican's cannot read and follow directions, then they cannot vote. Of course that would disenfranchise them, which isn't fair... Why that would be just like literacy test. The Sec of State is doing Much more than the Sec of State 4 years ago... and a Democrat at that? Talk about Non-Partisan

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

dk in tn — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:45:44 GMT

Here we go again. I knew this would happen. I think it will be wide-spread this time.

What a shame!!!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Rodham Democrat — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:45:55 GMT

Could this be referred to what we call in the business as "a little taste of your own medicine?"

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Joe Montana, Brooklyn, New York — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:45:59 GMT

The Fraudulence has already began ...

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Tammy Pless — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:46:45 GMT

When I received my absentee ballot application in the mail, I assumed it was from the state government. If I had known it was from a particular campaign, I would not have used it. Unfortunately for me, I already mailed it and don't know if I checked the box or not. I am one of those disaffected Hillary voters who was going to sit this one out. But not anymore! I recall the past voting debacles and it sickened me then to see the dirty tactics used to cheat people of their constitutional right to vote. From my point of view, McCain has abandoned his principles over the last 8 years by joining the rotten Bush bunch in order to win the presidential prize. As a long time registered DEM, I'm suspicious of republicans bearing gift ballots. Thank you, John McCain, for reminding me exactly why I'll be voting the straight democratic ticket this November.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Dr JP OBrien — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:50:43 GMT

Stay with it, Ohio. We have waited for this election since 1968 and Ohio State.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Billy, Normal, IL — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:50:47 GMT

Well, as a compromise, let them vote and count them for Buchannan.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Joe, St. Paul, MN — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:58:07 GMT

Surly not the republicans trying anything dishonest again????

Not the republicans???????

Obama/Biden 08/12

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Joe, St. Paul, MN — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:58:15 GMT

Surly not the republicans trying anything dishonest again????

Not the republicans???????

Obama/Biden 08/12

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Memo — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:02:39 GMT

This is SOOOO fresh, when it is the Republicans that are always working to add steps to the registration process and in prior elections challenged the validity of votes under these same conditions in other states.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Paper Ballots — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:17:08 GMT

No need to worry. These are Republicans we're talking about. They'll figure it out. If it were Democrats, well, then it would be a lawsuit for the supreme court.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Cynthia — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:18:50 GMT

I don't think this is an issue of disenfranchising voters, it is ensuring that the election goes fairy and smoothly. How bad would it be if there were questions about the ballots after the election, especially in a state like Ohio where the election is close and there have been problems before. I think it is wise of the Ohio Secretary of State to dot all "i's" and cross all "t's".

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Heather, medina ohio — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:19:26 GMT

I am sure if this would have happened with democrats ballots nothing would have been said. These types of things happen all the time and for the Republicans to get mad about it is ridiculous, she is following the law. Something I guess they don't feel needs to be done, just think back to all the votes that didn't get counted because of "hanging chads". At least it was caught and brought out before the election not after.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

twocanpete — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:30:11 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Okay that's enough. Ohio and Flori-duh should lose all their rights to vote in at least the next three presidential elections.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Jennifer, Brooklyn, NY — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:44:46 GMT

Republicans are already trying to steal the election by encouraging voter fraud. No surprise there. Just more of the McSame.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

L Murphy, Illinois — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:46:10 GMT

and there are more controversial issues across the U.S., particularily in purple states that are related to the McCain camp and Absentee Ballots. Other states need to take absentee ballots distributed by the McCain camp quite seriously and inverstigate every issue before voters fraud becomes a problem, especially so close to the voter registration deadline!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Liz, Mulberry Florida — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:59:24 GMT

This is proof that the McCain Camp will steal this election by cheating. Ohio will be another 2000 "Florida Recount" Lie, steal, smear, spin & cheat!!. We can not afford another 8 years of McBush & extreme Palin policys. They will mess this county up more! America wake up!!!

To all my fellow Obama supporters:

Remember the word "HOPE"
Never give up!
No matter what the media may say about the state of the race, no matter what lies they may spew about our canidate, do not give in!
Make sure your voice is heard on November 4th!

Obama/Biden Supporter

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

bruce becker — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:05:08 GMT

Chad karma comes back to haunt the GOP.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Truthteller — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:12:20 GMT

Ahh Here comes Obama the slimey Chicago politician. Didnt he do this already un Chicago. Ah Barry agent of change my arse

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Marie Saben, Columbus, Ohio — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:13:52 GMT

How can they tell our Secretary of State that she doesn't know OHIO law. Knowing OHIO law is what got her elected in the first place, republicans and their whining.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Buzz — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:17:26 GMT

OK, so they can't read in the "Buckeye". To quote one Richard 'Dick' Cheney; "so?"

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

kaye byrnes Ponte Vedra Beach FL — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:20:49 GMT

Voting Alerts are popping up here - Republicans sending out "Do Not Forward" mailers that, when returned, allow them to challenge votes cast down the road.

How about giving such tactics the "smell test", Chuck? They're up to no good - as usual -

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Tom Gent — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:03:11 GMT

Isn't this the same state where, in 2004, (Republican) Secretary of State, Ken Blackwell, rejected thousands of registration forms collected by Democrats because they weren't printed on 80 pound paper? He also decided not to count many more provisional ballots cast in the wrong precinct (even some cast in the right precinct). Sounds like the Republicans have made their bed, now they have to lie in it.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

I didn't really love America — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:06:26 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_amh5NP0pVY&NR=1

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Melissa Oggs — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:24:55 GMT

I find it funny that Republicans are upset over this, where people actually have a chance to correct their error and vote.

Where is the upset over the issue of the GOP and voter suppression in Indiana (Crawford v Marion County)? Read Jonathan Alter's article at Newsweek.com.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/158392

By hook or by crook folks... THIS is what the Republicans will resort to to win. Who DO you want running our country?

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Paying Attention and Outraged, Atlanta, Georgia — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:39:01 GMT

How's that Palm Beach Butterfly Ballot Souffle taste now, Republican scum?

Reap what you sow, folks. Every disenfranchization case in my memory has been the GOP at the expense of the Dems. Not one -- NOT ONE -- verified case of voter fraud in the entire nation, and yet states have enacted "anti-fraud" legislation based upon the oft-repeated lie of fraud.

Reap what you sow. I can't stand Strickland or Rendell, but I'm awfully glad they're where they are this election cycle...

"Evil triumphs because good is stupid." Maybe not this time...

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

David B, Grand Rapids, MI — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:42:17 GMT

Ohh, so when the republicans disenfranchise voters its fine, but when a dem even slightly calls their ballots into question, we're suddenly trying to subvert an election. I see. Jeez, it sounds like an honest mistake that they're working hard to get resolved to me. I'm sure this will all work out and I hope (in vain I imagine) that neither side tries to make huge deal out of this. I mean there's still over 50 days to get it sorted. It isn't like it's election day.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Larry McD, Portland OR — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:49:54 GMT

Bravo, Brunner!

Right backatcha Mr. Von Spaklecowplop!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

A New America — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:12:35 GMT

change the d a m form. Make it easier to understand. State,on the form, that the box must be checked or the form is incomplete. Simple.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

A New America — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:12:35 GMT

change the d a m form. Make it easier to understand. State,on the form, that the box must be checked or the form is incomplete. Simple.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Sue, OH — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:14:20 GMT

Does McFool's campaign really believe that they can just break every rule or law just because it doesn't suit them?
Maybe if they paid attention to the small details, they would not be in the situation they are. What a bunch of dolts......Wake up we can not afford 4 more years with an unintelligent leader!!
Obama & Biden

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Mary, Nashville TN — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:28:16 GMT

McCain and the Republicans want a loose interpretation to fit their needs yet are trying to disenfranchise thousands in Michigan who have homes foreclosed on. The Republicans are repulsive in their "do anything" attitude toward winning. They are totally "unfit" to hold any office in this great nation. They have come close to destroying this country in the last eight years. We cannot afford even 1 more year, much less 4 more years of the same. Our country will not survive them. They are totally without morals or integrity!!!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Barntub, Renton, WA — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:30:13 GMT

"If they are too stupid to fill out a form properly, they are too stupid to vote." Kinda reminds you of what Republicans said about Democrats in Florida in 2000, eh? But I'm sure this is TOTALLY different....

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Francis Hannegraff — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:39:04 GMT

It hurts to laugh, the southern ohio security moms and independent swing voters will be turning out for McCain in such droves that this partisan trickery wont make a lick of difference. And the good thing that will come from this will be the final end of the credibility of the liberal media in America.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

nuanced — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:39:05 GMT

Why in the world would the state allow campaigns to print their own forms? That is just asking for trouble.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

afisher — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:46:48 GMT

If the McCain campaign was helping with registering voters, maybe they should go to the Obama campaign headquarters for an inservice. Sounds like they want to re-do Florida in Ohio.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

mexed, san antonio, texas — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:51:28 GMT

what's the flap about? they get a phone call and a new form. It's a heck of a lot more fair than what the Republicans did to thousands of voters in Florida and other states, including Ohio the last time around.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

JG Raleigh, NC — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:00:48 GMT

Just what is happening in this election?

Republicans have a stiff, incoherent, womanizing Senator running for election with a liberal record. He's been rejected by everyone on the far-right from evangelicals to the NRA. Now the Republicans are crying about the media and disenfranchised voters.

The Democrats have a candidate that typifies the ideal Christian family in America. He's well spoken, charismatic and armed with an advertising budget that far exceeds his opponent.

Has the political world gone topsy turvey?
Democrats and now Republicans and Republicans are now Democrats!!

So... voting for McCain... is a vote for... a Democrat?!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Jennifer, Oregon — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:03:15 GMT

Boy the Republicans sure don't like it when their nasty tricks don't work, do they?

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Brian, Mason OHIO — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:57:54 GMT

No surprise here; Jennifer Brunner has been nothing short of a disappointment since taking office. The more she moves toward "voter reform" the murkier the waters become. Truly a civil servent who does not know if they are on "first or third"

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Leslie — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:59:46 GMT

Seems like the McCain Campaign doesn't think they need to play by the same rules as everyone else.
At least someone is calling them out on it!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Fitz, Stockton, CA — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 05:03:44 GMT

state law “provides absolutely no room to accept forms if the voter has not taken the step of affirming that he or she is an eligible voter."
The law should be upheld, if the ballots have not ben filled out correctly they should be discarded as fraudulant.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Helen in Kansas — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 05:20:03 GMT

Rules are rules and apparently the Republicans believe that when they mess up the rules should not apply to them. Interesting....nice thought...bad idea. Of course this is consistent with the Republican's campaign what with all the lies and all...

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

carl, detroit, mi — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 05:21:06 GMT

Once again, the Republican Party is above the law!! Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner makes it perfectly clear there is a violation on the form, and that they will help to rectify the problem.

The Republican Party one again, refuses to admit they made a mistake and are now whining that they are being punished, despite the fact that Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and her office will contact every person that did not check the correct box. How is that punishment again??

If this was the Democratic Party that made the mistake... the GOP would not budge one inch on the issue and call it voter fraud. Republicans can cry-me-a-river!!

WAKE UP, AMERICA!!! VOTE SMART... NOT SENILE!!!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

R.J., San Diego, CA — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:10:36 GMT

It's okay to disenfranchise black voters in Ohio, but heaven forbid Republicans become disenfranchised? They can dish it out, but they don't like it when it's done to them.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Doreen Augusta Maine — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:17:58 GMT

To bad, McCain people -- you made the problem. You designed the form, you correct it.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

the way the cookie crumbles — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:34:22 GMT

This is a very interesting development. To send out a form with a check-box that goes unchecked is unfortunate indeed, however, the laws must be complied with.

The Secretary of State is absolutely correct in her insistence that the laws should indeed be complied with, despite the McCain campaigns attempts to cry foul.

Just as those 'butter-fly' ballots that were so confusing for some in the 2000 Florida debacle were dealt with to the dissatisfaction of the voters, so will this. It is unfortunate, sure, but the law is the law.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Pat Ryan — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:41:46 GMT

Here we go again...the GOP trying to steal another election...makes me sad for my children.
Patricia 49 Pennsylvania

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Dave, Germany — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:18:33 GMT

The percent of expats that want to vote and actually have their vote counted is less than 30%. In the primaries only my wife was able to vote and we both followed the same process. The current process is unreliable, costly, and slow. This is another example of why internet voting should be made available and used.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Laughimg Hippie,Cumming,GA. — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:42:49 GMT

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

steven f, ca. — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:47:06 GMT

Let everyone vote.

There seems to be worry over the disenfranchisement of voters on both sides. Republicans have been playing games for years and now seem to be hung by their own forms.

I would let them vote as long as they agreed to correct all the efforts to undermine the democratic vote.

There are more voter tampering by the Republicans that are in need of correction.

Republicans like to play rough.
An eye for an eye is
A vote for a vote.

Let everyone vote on both sides

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

1ILDEM — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:54:00 GMT

at least the Ohio secretary of state is fairer and following the real law unlike the bias and obvious partisanship of the Florida sec. of state in 2000. or unfortunately this is small paybacks for the way Dems were treated in Florida....one could wonder. some things have a way of correcting themselves...Republicans WILL NOT steal this one folks.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

CJC, Chicago, IL — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 08:57:13 GMT

Wow, it's weird how the Republican stance on what the letter and spirit of election law is changes depending on who screwed up n filling the forms.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Crimo Las Vegas — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:14:16 GMT

ah ha.....here we go again people, sounds familiar!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Joyce Davis, Harpers Ferry, Iowa — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:35:01 GMT

How does it feel, John McCain???? You Republicans stole an election in 2000. Hurts, doesn't it?

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Jen, Sandy UT — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:06:45 GMT

The rules are clear. Anyone who made it through 2nd grade knows that sometimes you don't get credit if you don't fill out your paper completely. Anyone who has filled out any kind of form on the internet - to register to post here, for instance, or pay for a transaction with your credit card - knows you have to check a box confirmin that you actually want to do whatever it is you just spent time filling out info to do. That the McCain camp issued these forms and then complains that people who don't fill them out correctly should get the ballot anyway is typical of their new attitude of "the rules don't apply to us". The point of box on the application is that the checked box is their "word". It's the thing that says "I am giving you my word that I am legally entitled to this ballot". If you don't need to check the box to certify that you are a legitimate absentee voter, what's the point of the application? Why not just mail them to every household? Now, when people fill out those ballots and forget to check the box that says they filled it out themselves and it represents their true and correct infomation and vote, will the McCain camp say we should count their ballots anyway? People have to be accountable for their own work sometimes, and this is one of them. Do it right or it doesn't count - it's a pass/fail thing. Duh.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

Marie, Philadelphia, PA — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:18:53 GMT

No voter should be disenfranchised; however, Republicans are complaining that these incomplete forms should be accepted as complete and valid. Yet the Republicans fail to state what they are planning to do on election day and with forms of absentee Democratic voters.

The Republicans plan to contest the validity of the address listed for voters who are listed as Democrates. They will have a list of foreclosed homes and will challenge whether the voter(s) still resides at the address. The Republicans will try to disenfranchise many of these voters whose homes are on the foreclosure list by claiming that they cannot vote because they don't live at that address anymore. HOW HYPOCRITICAL! Yet the Republicans know that just because there is a foreclosure listed for a home, doesn't mean that the people no longer live there. THEY JUST WANT TO PUT THESE VOTERS THROUGH HOOPS IN ORDER TO GET THEM SO FRUSTRATED THAT THEY WILL NOT VOTE; THEREFORE, THROUGH PLOYS, THE REPUBLICANS WILL TRY TO DISENFRANCHISE THE VOTES OF MANY DEMOCRATIC VOTERS.

It can be assumed, knowing how devious the Republicans play, that this scrutiny will not be applied to voters listed as Republicans.

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

James — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:56:53 GMT

The reason the McCain camp is upset is because those ballots were actually intended for Democrat voters, but McCain, in yet another "senior moment" told his crew to send them to Republican voters. Meanwhile Steve Schmidt is pulling some poor staffer's hair out because Gramps messed up his supreme Rovian plan to suppress the Dems again in '08!

Small check-box, big dust-up in OH

American Voter — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:57:04 GMT

The Republicans are gettng just desserts after all the fixed elections they have done. And by the way, why isn't your news agency reporting on the thousands of people - mainly African American - in Michigan whose homes are being foreclosed on by Republican owned finance firms in order to put them out of an address so their voter registrations are invalid.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/10/michigan-gop-using-forecl_n_125446.html

Michigan Republicans plan to foreclose African-American voters

The chairman of the Republican Party in Macomb County, Michigan, a key swing county in a key swing state, is planning to use a list of foreclosed homes to block people from voting in the upcoming election as part of the state GOP’s effort to challenge some voters on Election Day.

“We will have a list of foreclosed homes and will make sure people aren’t voting from those addresses,” party chairman James Carabelli told Michigan Messenger in a telephone interview earlier this week. He said the local party wanted to make sure that proper electoral procedures were followed.

State election rules allow parties to assign “election challengers” to polls to monitor the election. In addition to observing the poll workers, these volunteers can challenge the eligibility of any voter provided they “have a good reason to believe” that the person is not eligible to vote. One allowable reason is that the person is not a “true resident of the city or township.”

The Michigan Republicans’ planned use of foreclosure lists is apparently an attempt to challenge ineligible voters as not being “true residents.”

One expert questioned the legality of the tactic.

“You can’t challenge people without a factual basis for doing so,” said J. Gerald Hebert, a former voting rights litigator for the U.S. Justice Department who now runs the Campaign Legal Center, a Washington D.C.-based public-interest law firm. “I don’t think a foreclosure notice is sufficient basis for a challenge, because people often remain in their homes after foreclosure begins and sometimes are able to negotiate and refinance.”

As for the practice of challenging the right to vote of foreclosed property owners, Hebert called it, “mean-spirited.”

GOP ties to state’s largest foreclosure law firm

The Macomb GOP’s plans are another indication of how John McCain’s campaign stands to benefit from the burgeoning number of foreclosures in the state. McCain’s regional headquarters are housed in the office building of foreclosure specialists Trott & Trott. The firm’s founder, David A. Trott, has raised between $100,000 and $250,000 for the Republican nominee.

The Macomb County party’s plans to challenge voters who have defaulted on their house payments is likely to disproportionately affect African-Americans who are overwhelmingly Democratic voters. More than 60 percent of all sub-prime loans — the most likely kind of loan to go into default — were made to African-Americans in Michigan, according to a report issued last year by the state’s Department of Labor and Economic Growth.

Challenges to would-be voters

Statewide, the Republican Party is gearing up for a comprehensive voter challenge campaign, according to Denise Graves, party chair for Republicans in Genessee County, which encompasses Flint. The party is creating a spreadsheet of election challenger volunteers and expects to coordinate a training with the regional McCain campaign, Graves said in an interview with Michigan Messenger.

Whether the Republicans will challenge voters with foreclosed homes elsewhere in the state is not known.

Kelly Harrigan, deputy director of the GOP’s voter programs, confirmed that she is coordinating the group’s “election integrity” program. Harrigan said the effort includes putting in place a legal team, as well as training election challengers. She said the challenges to voters were procedural rather than personal. She referred inquiries about the vote challenge program to communications director Bill Nowling, who promised information but did not return calls.

Party chairman Carabelli said that the Republican Party is training election challengers to “make sure that [voters] are who they say who they are.”

When asked for further details on how Republicans are compiling challenge lists, he said, “I would rather not tell you all the things we are doing.”

Vote suppression: Not an isolated effort

Carabelli is not the only Republican Party official to suggest the targeting of foreclosed voters. In Ohio, Doug Preisse, director of elections in Franklin County (around the city of Columbus) and the chair of the local GOP, told The Columbus Dispatch that he has not ruled out challenging voters before the election due to foreclosure-related address issues.

Hebert, the voting-rights lawyer, sees a connection between Priesse’s remarks and Carabelli’s plans.

“At a minimum what you are seeing is a fairly comprehensive effort by the Republican Party, a systematic broad-based effort to put up obstacles for people to vote,” he said. “Nobody is contending that these people are not legally registered to vote.

“When you are comprehensively challenging people to vote,” Hebert went on, “your goals are two-fold: One is you are trying to knock people out from casting ballots; the other is to create a slowdown that will discourage others,” who see a long line and realize they can’t afford to stay and wait.

Challenging all voters registered to foreclosed homes could disrupt some polling places, especially in the Detroit metropolitan area. According to the real estate Web site RealtyTrac, one in every 176 households in Wayne County, metropolitan Detroit, received a foreclosure filing during the month of July. In Macomb County, the figure was one household in every 285, meaning that 1,834 homeowners received the bad news in just one month. The Macomb County foreclosure rate puts it in the top three percent of all U.S. counties in the number of distressed homeowners.

Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent and Genessee counties were — in that order — the counties with the most homeowners facing foreclosure, according to RealtyTrac. As of July, there were more than 62,000 foreclosure filings in the entire state.

Joe Rozell, director of elections for Oakland County in suburban Detroit, acknowledged that challenges such as those described by Carabelli are allowed by law but said they have the potential to create long lines and disrupt the voting process. With 890,000 potential voters closely divided between Democratic and Republican, Oakland County is a key swing county of this swing state.

According to voter challenge directives handed down by Republican Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, voter challenges need only be “based on information obtained through a reliable source or means.”

“But poll workers are not allowed to ask the reason” for the challenges, Rozell said. In other words, Republican vote challengers are free to use foreclosure lists as a basis for disqualifying otherwise eligible voters.

David Lagstein, head organizer with the Michigan Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), described the plans of the Macomb GOP as “crazy.”

“You would think they would think, ‘This is going to look too heartless,’” said Lagstein, whose group has registered 200,000 new voters statewide this year and also runs a foreclosure avoidance program. “The Republican-led state Senate has not moved on the anti-predatory lending bill for over a year and yet [Republicans] have time to prey on those who have fallen victim to foreclosure to suppress the vote."