Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

Beartracks

(13,631 posts) Wed Sep 30, 2020, 12:54 PM Sep 2020

What's the supposed reason for calling for "poll watchers"? I mean, obviously... [View all]

... intimidation could be the real intent, and indeed a bunch of red-hat militia goobers are just gonna be exhibiting a faux-patriot righteousness that could make other voters uncomfortable. But is the PURPORTED reason that they are supposed to "catch voter fraud"? What exactly is it that these trained, discerning professionals think they'll be looking for: someone showing up at the polls with a box of photocopied ballots? Several people standing in one polling booth? Someone dumping Trump ballots in a creek behind the building? The whole "poll watching" thing is stupid on its face.

================

33 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

What's the supposed reason for calling for "poll watchers"? I mean, obviously... [View all] Beartracks Sep 2020 OP

Intimidation. Remember: their would-be boss wants domination. calimary Sep 2020 #1

Perhaps so. I'm still looking for pretense but, really, Republicans have pretty much dropped it all. Beartracks Sep 2020 #3

Like you said it is for intimidation. Statistical Sep 2020 #2

The Tea Party did the same thing. Remember True the Vote? octoberlib Sep 2020 #4

+1 2naSalit Sep 2020 #11

A bunch of white folks in pickup trucks with weapons sitting in beachbumbob Sep 2020 #5

They aren't watchers, they are interrupters and obstructors C_U_L8R Sep 2020 #6

Scare Democrats and Indies who favor voting for Democrats . . . Iliyah Sep 2020 #7

Sowing confusion and fear (but we all know that) gratuitous Sep 2020 #8

They challenge someone's right to vote.. stillcool Sep 2020 #9

Poll watchers... Historic NY Sep 2020 #10

Nothing nefarious about poll watchers. They are called different things - Ms. Toad Sep 2020 #12

Poll watchers from each party have been standard procedure frazzled Sep 2020 #13

THIS Cosmocat Sep 2020 #24

Agent Orange wasn't talking about official poll watchers/observers who are formally appointed. hedda_foil Sep 2020 #14

If People Let Those Punks Intimidate, They Win ProfessorGAC Sep 2020 #16

They generally install themselves at polling places in African American/Latinx neighborhoods. hedda_foil Sep 2020 #18

I Know ProfessorGAC Sep 2020 #20

Yes, Professor, and as an older white guy you could easily do that, but they won't bother with you. hedda_foil Sep 2020 #21

Where Do They Get That Info? ProfessorGAC Sep 2020 #22

They don't need to have the info. Simply threatening ICE will send multiple people in line away. hedda_foil Sep 2020 #23

So We Surrender? ProfessorGAC Sep 2020 #26

To watch zealously for these freaks and notify the official Democratic poll watchers or workers. hedda_foil Sep 2020 #29

Perfectly Willing & Ready ProfessorGAC Sep 2020 #30

Correct AND Cosmocat Sep 2020 #25

That's code for destroy and intimidate. ananda Sep 2020 #15

there is no "supposed" reason or pretense anymore 0rganism Sep 2020 #17

You're right. I replied to another poster in the thread already that, out of habit, I... Beartracks Sep 2020 #31

moot, perhaps, but still an interesting topic 0rganism Sep 2020 #33

I think i am glad my state is mail only marlakay Sep 2020 #19

They have observers too, the equivalent of poll watchers frazzled Sep 2020 #28

Intimidation, pure and simple Hekate Sep 2020 #27

So: no pretense. Republicans got tired trying to keep up charades all the time. n/t Beartracks Sep 2020 #32