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Voter intimidation in Monroe County
This stuff doesn't happen just in Ohio or Missouri. From an emailed release:
Rochester, NY – “It looks like they are at it again. Nationally as well as right here in New York State, Republicans have become proponents of employing the most devious of campaign tactics in an effort to intimidate and block eligible voters who are likely to vote against themselves and their candidates. Right here in New York, State Senate Republicans have made low-income and senior voters the primary targets of their suppression efforts. For instance, in 2006 a sweeping effort to remove thousands of voters from the rolls in a tight race in Westchester County was uncovered after the U.S. Department of Justice was brought in to oversee that election.
Monday afternoon of this week the Dollinger campaign received several egregious reports of voter intimidation. An extremely upset elderly supporter on Ledgewood Drive reported that her sign was torn to shreds and strewn about the street. Also, on Chesterton Street a police report had to be filed because a families' Dollinger sign was vandalized with razor blades in what may be a Class A criminal mischief misdemeanor that could be punishable by imprisonment of up to one year. On Tuesday, similar reports continued. While some instances are bound to happen, supporters should never be concerned about their own safety because of whom they choose to support in an election. This also appears to be a concerted and on-going intimidation effort.
These instances go well beyond overzealous supporters acting out of bounds; as State Senate Republicans make a last ditch effort to maintain their control, Rochester voters must be on guard and aware of any acts meant to intimidate and suppress voters’ rights. And it is disgraceful that the Republicans across the nation and in New York State would employ theses tactics.
Unfortunately, it comes as no surprise that the same State Senate majority that has left New York with the worst economy since the Great Depression would devise a cynical ploy to victimize voters in the coming elections. Nationally voter suppression ploys are being uncovered in Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan and Florida as Republican deceive voters about election days and polling locations, among other items.
In an effort to raise community awareness of dirty tricks the Dollinger campaign is taking every precautionary measure possible to ensure that the voters of this community know their rights, know what to look out for, and where to turn for help. We have organized attorneys throughout the district and are launching a voters’ rights awareness campaign.
Behavior meant to intimidate, frighten, or in any other way impede a person’s right to vote and express their support, regardless of party affiliation, must be dealt with swiftly. We do not condone any such acts and we expect the Republican campaigns on the state and national levels to hold themselves to that same standard as well. These actions lower the level of discourse of this campaign. Stop the intimidation, stop the nonsense, and let's talk issues."
Before the election, we'll be posting advice from the NYDLC on what you can do, and how you can get immediate help, in cases of intimidation and voter suppression. Every New Yorker eligible to vote will be able to cast their ballot this November.
Meanwhile, if your lawn signs or other items are vandalized, don't stay silent. Inform the relevant campaign, and call the cops. As the Dollinger campaign points out, people go to jail for this kind of behavior.
On the national level, the netroots have developed a very effective response to republican terror tactics, lies, and their various other un-American bullshit: we flood their opponents with money. Please join me in donating to Rick Dollinger today.
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