Poll Intimidation has BEGUN!

While I did not plan on voting today I made a trip by my local polls just to check everything out.

What I discovered was appalling and shameful. There was a large group of what I would guess to be 20 or so people standing outside the entrance, complete with matching attire, confronting people that were approaching the polls. These polls are located in Racine, WI.

I would love it if the ATS community would chime in here if they witness any poll intimidation in their home towns and maybe give a generalized location?

I called my local corporate media outlet to report the issue and according to them it is not on the agenda today. So I wont be able to use them to find out if this is an isolated incident, or if there is more going on here.

What were the people saying or doing that was intimidating? What party were they representing, and what was their message?

Pics...please? I'm serious. Nothing today happened. None of it. ALL we see and ALL we hear today will be argued and debated through the lens of partisanship from tomorrow on...and those actual cases of wrong doing that is happening? Won't matter 1 bit to anyone, anywhere but those directly effected by it if there isn't more than someone's word for it ever happening at all.

Op.. I mean absolutely no doubt about your report. I just feel like we have to, as citizens..all of us...work to make a record of what we reasonably can, where we actually see it with our own eyes.

--- Just check those Wisconsin laws on electioneering and precisely what it is there for distance and distance from WHAT for a thing like making a video or taking pictures of an intimidating crowd at the entrance.

You didn't even mention...Dem or Republican? ...and it really doesn't matter. A crowd that made you feel uncomfortable in the least is wrong, regardless. Here's hoping you may get back by there and perhaps shoot a phone pic from the passing street? Even the Media can't totally ignore a video these days. They hang up on reports without it though.

Pft, I didn't have that much problems when voting today. I walked in and walked out and was there in 3 minutes. Not one problem or any voting intimidation. I didn't even have to wait in line.

Pics or...? How did they indimitate you? By just being there?

Watch and use your cell phone to take video, including those of other people to determine if it is intimidation. If it is, then you would contact the justice department and demand justice. Make lots of copies and put it out on youtube and other sites to ensure that the public gets to see such, to include media. A picture may be worth a 1000 words, but video can scream volumes.

reply to post by Wrabbit2000


I had my children in the car so it was more of a drive by. I did not get a chance to talk to them to hear their agenda so I can only guess. As it stands I don't plan on venturing back into that neighborhood today myself but a friend works in the area, I will call now to see if they would be willing to take pictures for me.

Sorry for posting without proof, and I realize I am a new member without much, if any, credibility. I wasn't looking to start a flame or argument thread, but more of a place for those of us concerned with this sort of thing, regardless of political affiliation, to report any issues or non-issues they may have or will come across.

It's happening in a few places.

www.foxnews.com...

mrctv.org...

I thought this was illegal?

I saw on Fox News this morning that there are Black Panthers at a Pennsylvania polling site. Good grief!

Originally posted by csimon
It's happening in a few places.

www.foxnews.com...

mrctv.org...

I thought this was illegal?

edit on 6-11-2012 by csimon because: (no reason given)

Oh, I just clicked on your Fox link and saw the article about the Black Panthers. Sorry about that.

I've heard the reports and have to laugh. Why voter intimidation is moot:

example:

1. Go to my voting place, see black panthers outside.

2. Shout "Yea go Obama!".

3. Get treated like royalty.

4. Go inside and actually vote for Gary Johnson.

5. Leave while shaking hands, smiling, getting pats on the back, and spouting pro Obama rhetoric.

6. Profit????

reply to post by AutOmatIc

If everyone takes the nonsense with such good humor and tongue in cheek before voting how they believe anyway.... There won't be any problems! I like your style and hope others do the same.

@ Op

Oh hey, I for one, appreciate the report. Pics or not... I understand completely why you didn't stop or go out of your way now. I may not have either with kids in the car and ..who knows what going on this election cycle. It's a context report to get a feel for whats happening if nothing else and appreciated!

As far as cause or side.. It's probably better we don't know. It's not about that for what is right and wrong at a polling place anyway, right?

Originally posted by texasgirl
I saw on Fox News this morning that there are Black Panthers at a Pennsylvania polling site. Good grief!

Which, incidentally, is not against the law. If the mere presence of a certain type of individual intimidates a person, then perhaps the person that feels intimidated needs to take a long hard look in the mirror and figure out exactly why they are intimidated.

I drove past several polling stations today. Guess what....there were lots of white people : Shocking, right?

Originally posted by LeatherNLace

Originally posted by texasgirl
I saw on Fox News this morning that there are Black Panthers at a Pennsylvania polling site. Good grief!

Which, incidentally, is not against the law. If the mere presence of a certain type of individual intimidates a person, then perhaps the person that feels intimidated needs to take a long hard look in the mirror and figure out exactly why they are intimidated.

I drove past several polling stations today. Guess what....there were lots of white people

: Shocking, right?

No, I am not intimidated. Just mind-boggling. Kind of like what you said but in an opposite way: Why does a person feel the need to intimidate someone else? (It's not like he can stand next to the voter and watch him cast his ballot)

reply to post by LeatherNLace


So you would be ok with a couple of KKK members posting up outside a polling place?

reply to post by AutOmatIc
Wow, that's like trolling, but IRL... Winning plan!! =P

reply to post by anoobgirl
While the legality of what you witnessed may be up for debate, I certainly understand the concern you express... I happened to witness what appeared to be a very clean, nearly perfect polling location with little traffic, when voting today.

Cheers

Originally posted by SpaDe_
reply to post by LeatherNLace

 

So you would be ok with a couple of KKK members posting up outside a polling place?

Sure, it's their right. So long as there is no threatening language being spewed about. Again, a presence is not intimidation. Threats are.

Threats are also a crime and should be reported to the police and to the poll workers so that appropriate action can be taken.

I just voted in Racine Wisconsin and had no problem at all, no lines, no hassle. I voted at Workforce Development Center at about 11:30 am. Not discounting anoobgirl's report whatsoever, but was surprised she's in my hometown so thought I would post how it was for me today.

I did notice the election "watchers" didn't seem too enthused, like they were fighting to stay awake. Didn't think the setup at my polling station was very good for elderly or handicapped though, kind of a long walk through hallways etc. Welcome anoobgirl!

Originally posted by AutOmatIc
I've heard the reports and have to laugh. Why voter intimidation is moot:

example:

1. Go to my voting place, see black panthers outside.

2. Shout "Yea go Obama!".

3. Get treated like royalty.

4. Go inside and actually vote for Gary Johnson.

5. Leave while shaking hands, smiling, getting pats on the back, and spouting pro Obama rhetoric.

6. Profit????

Haha, I have to agree with you. Not very hard for us to act like a politician- say one thing and do another.

reply to post by sdcigarpig


The black panthers are at it again in Philidelphia: paramilitary uniforms, combat boots, berets, and truncheons.