What will you do if a Republican challenges you at the voting booth?

[Union Thug]

So, there's a big push for Republican poll watchers to challenge democrats on election day. For example, in Ohio:

Big G.O.P. Bid to Challenge Voters at Polls in Key State
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/23/politics/campaign/23vote.html?oref=login&hp&ex=buzzflash

So what will you do if one of these bozos steps between you and the voting booth?

For myself, I'd have a very difficult time not beating them into next week. The absentee ballot may have kept me out of jail on an assault charge!!!

[NMDemDist2]

1. since i've already voted it's a non issue, but I have volunteered

to watch the polls around here

[sitar]

75. Registered?

I registered to vote in Arkansas by mailing my form on the next to last business day allowed. I called to make sure it had been postmarked in time to allow me to vote.
Clerk said it had been stamped by county clerks office as postmarked on the 13th... they dont save the envolopes. I had mailed it on the 2nd. Since when does it take 12 days for a letter to get postmarked?

[Toots]

84. Why did you wait so long and have you followed up and insured

that you are indeed registered now. You may not be allowed to vote in this election but if things go well there will be other elections. :shrug:

[olddem43]

2. I'd just tell him or her to go straight to Hell.

Do not pass Go, do not collect their $100.00.

[aldian159]

57. Its $200.00 in Monopoly

and $2 in Monopoly Jr.

Just to clarify, but freepers always were a little short...

[childslibrarian]

3. Call my lawyer

and the local paper. DON'T mess with a librarian!

[Seabiscuit]

74. Call 911 and have the asshole arrested.

[Spinzonner]

4. In California

It's illegal for anyone other than Poll Workers - NOT Watchers - to challenge a voter.

Of course, California's not a swing state.

[WLKjr]

5. a straight punch in the face with a "I told you

damn righties...., old WLKjr isn't going to put up with any shit!"



I dare someone to challenge me, I dare them. I will make such a scene. You can take that to the bank.

[Snotcicles]

17. Keep a roll of quarters in that hand. n/t

[XanaDUer]

6. They had better not.

I am serious. They better not even go there.

And I had better not see them doing it to anyone else, either.

Don't confuse liberalism with pacifism.

[madrchsod]

7. well it`s my next door neighbor

so i don`t think i`ll have to much of a problem

[bluestateguy]

8. I'm not a pacifict

I consider voter disenfranchisment to be a form of terrorism.

[Raster]

77. I consider voter disenfranchisement treason. Electoral treason.

[Vickers]

9. I wouldn't suggest it

Seriously.

[Cerridwen]

10. Fortunately, I'm in Vegas and I've already voted, however,

having "run" cocktails in the casinos here; including a couple of New Years Eves

I'd do what as a 5'6" female weighing about 110-120 lbs. I've always done,

head up, glaring with pointy, sharp elbows out and MOVE on through.

If it works with drunks and teen-aged gropers, it 'oughta work on repubs.

[lfs5]

11. Smile a s**t eatin' grin...

and make sure they know I'm voting for Kerry! Since I'm legal, I'll be glad to prove my right to vote and ask them to prove their right to be there interfering with the democratic process. How would they do that? Do they have some sort of badges or id tags or something? Maybe I could claim I'd been assaulted...especially if they so much a touch me!

[LiberalFighter]

12. Take out your camera and take a picture of the guy

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

13. Go immediately to the election judge.

Be sure you have proper identification with you. If you have any problems and the election judge can't or won't help, use your cell phone or somebody else's and call 1-866-OUR-VOTE. This is the help number for Election Protection, a nonpartisan coalition formed to be sure the election laws are obeyed and everyone who is eligible to vote is allowed to do so. Lawyers for this coalition will be stationed outside many polling places (especially in minority neighborhoods where voter suppression is anticipated) to provide immediate help if needed. DO NOT GIVE UP IF YOU ARE CHALLENGED. DO NOT LEAVE THE POLLS. INSIST ON VOTING!

[goddess40]

14. 1-866-687-8683

Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE It's a non-partisan hotline

M. Moore gave this number out today when I went to see him in Stevens Point, WI.

edit: enter it into you cell phone phonebook so it's ready to go if you need it. If you don't have a cell phone make sure you have the number as a fellow dem will help you make the call. Write in on your wrist if you have to.

Also if the (REAL)poll worker says you aren't eligible ask for a provisional ballot.

Edit: It wouldn't hurt to have your local Dem office phone number either. They are ready for this to happen. They're local and they have lawyers on standby.

[No2W2004]

29. yep....call the number

1-866-OUR-VOTE

DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT VOTING

THIS IS INTIMIDATION, AND IS ILLEGAL.

[Birthmark]

15. Standard reply

It's simple: I will vote. Any attempt to stop me will end in failure and/or injury to the fool. I'm not a violent man, but this is a basic right that I will NOT surrender without a fight.

[Zorra]

16. I would ignore them and cast my ballot. If they touched me, I would

pepper spray them and call the police.

If they challenged me, I would attempt sue them for public defamation of my character, because they are publicly falsely accusing me of committing a felony.

Then I would try to sue the republican party for hiring this individual for the purpose of defaming my character.

[uberotto]

18. I would take out my video camera, record him/her in action...

Let them know that I will be putting a copy of the video on the internet, and that every democrat who might feel they have a grudge to settle will know who he/she is and where they live.

Then I would ask them, is that really the kind of life you want to live for the next four years?

[oscar111]

19. Supreme ct guy challended minorities at poll

IIRC, rhenquist did that in some southwest state as a youth.

would walk up to the line and do something with them.

[oscar111]

23. tape recorded hidden under coat

all take such to polls... this way, they cant smash a visible gadget. they will never know what is happening. dont mention it.
use new tape if possible, i wonder about used tape being as credible in court or with the media later on.
record, too, any challenges to nearby folks.

video from a distance, like across street, would be great as educational tool in hi school civics classes. a video team could move to whereever challenges are noted and reported to them via cell phone.

[MrSlayer]

20. That would never happen here.

If you expect your committeemen to do anything for you here you have to be registered Democrat. If it did happen the Puke would be beaten to a pulp. We don't fuck around in Philly. We aren't the kind of Democrats they like to call wusses and wimps, we'll kick your ass and laugh as you bleed.

[aldian159]

60. Yeah, Philly don't fuck around

My cousin lives there, works for a city council member. You guys kick ass and take names, to be sure.

[goddess40]

21. When does it cross the line to harassment and tampering with elections

There should be some number that puts them over the reasonable limit. How many people vote when they aren't suppose to - They do have to get passed the poll workers.
Poll watchers act like people go from poll to poll and voting as often as they can.

[LuCifer]

22. I SAY BRING IT ON MOTHER-Fer!

I don't wear steel-toed Doc Martins just for a punk fasion statement, that much is fo damned sure!

Lu Cifer, see ya in the unemployment like W!

[Rainbowreflect]

24. I kick him in his hanging chad.

[Cleita]

25. The first time I voted in my present location,

the prune-faced precinct worker turned to her co-worker and sneered, "She's a Democrat." Then I got a dirty look and a wave indicating I was in the wrong space.

I was sent to another worker on another table who gave me my ballot. The polling place was one of those fundie churches that make a big multi-sided footprint in a neighborhood. I mean they take up a lot of acreage. At the time I wasn't comfortable.

I also had never used the scanning machines. My old precinct had those hanging chad punch things although we never had big problems with them. Another worker took my ballot from me and scanned it for me.

Well, this location wasn't used as a precinct in the following election, so things weren't as weird. This time though since the old man can't go to the precinct and vote, for the first time, we have voted on an absentee ballot. I hope our vote will count.

[OnTheWaterfront]

26. I think this might be a little over the top.

I have a hard time seeing people reading your mind on who you will vote for and then threatening you. It just doesn't seem possible.

Go into the booth...close the curtain...and then push the little button that says Kerry...very simple....

[meganmonkey]

27. what if you're wearing a kerry pin

or a shirt. or you're a minority? or wearing birkenstocks? or holding your same-sex partner's hand?
lord knows stereotypes come in handy this time of year for the rethuglicans.

welcome to DU ,BTW

[bones_7672]

31. Remove all pins

Here in Ohio, anyway, if you wear a campaign button you will be asked to remove it. As a lark I wore a Nixon/Agnew button recently and was told to remove it.

[OnTheWaterfront]

33. Nah

I don't see it..

Besides after reading that pie thread it seems they better watch out..

[meganmonkey]

38. Did you read the NYT link?

The Repubs are taking "formal steps" to do this. They are clearly trying to challenge new registrants. Democrats have been more successful at signing up new voters. This worries the rethuglicans.
The democrats, on the other hand, are taking formal steps tp be poll-watchers to protect the rights of the new democrats.
You really think this is BS? I recommend reading the article first, and checking out some other threads around here about election fraud. This is real, and the republicans will stop at nothing. they already stole one election.

[OnTheWaterfront]

39. The Internet

is full of articles..and all of them are true..

I am not saying it COULDN'T happen..just saying starting a topic over that might be a little paranoid..

There are so many people at the voting stations it would be silly to make a spectackle of yourself...

I could be wrong. There may be something in the news about a Kerry voter getting beaten up...if so there will be pie in my face..no pun intended..

[meganmonkey]

43. if you didn't read the article

then you don't even know what we're all posting about. the article is about a specific situation in ohio where republicans are formally signing up as pollwatchers. they are specifically there because they think that the democrats' success at registering new voters this year is based in fraud.
many of the reactions in this thread are tongue-in-cheek.
but the situation is real.
read the article before you start disagreeing with people, please.
i'm not trying to school you, i'm pretty new here too, but it seems that you don't even know what you're reacting to.

[OnTheWaterfront]

46. And because they signed up

like the idiots they are..and it is in the (so called news)..there will surely be security.

You don't just come out publicly and say.." I vow to harras people"..it won't work..

Common sense dictates that. Wherever this happened..if it happened..there will now be security...


Hell..bring a pie..

[meganmonkey]

47. okay, i'm starting to wonder about you

very few DUers would refer to the New York Times as "so-called news".
I have never alerted anyone, but if you don't post something soon to redeem yourself here I may alert the moderators.
at the very least, most people come here to learn something. if you don't read the links and you just act contrary you aren't here for the right reasons.
you've got about 5 minutes.

Edit:saw your post in the ann coulter/pie thread. doesn't put me at ease about your intentions.

[yardwork]

72. Always hit alert if you feel uncomfortable with a poster

Hit alert and let the mods decide. Better to hit alert than to call out somebody in a thread. Nobody but the mods need to know that you punched alert on somebody. If the mods see a problem, they will handle it accordingly. If they don't see a problem, no harm done.

[noiretextatique]

78. alerts work...thanks mods!

[noiretextatique]

48. security at every polling place seems unlikely

and they are targetting people who don't "look" american, among others.

[noiretextatique]

50. paranoid?!?! you better believe people are paranoid

and realistic, considering what happened in 2000.

[foreigncorrespondent]

52. Simple...

...don't fit the sterotype they are looking for. Go is a business suit (whether you are male or female) and I guarantee you, they will think you are one of them, and you will be able to walk past them without so much as a sneer from the snibbling little weazles.

Me though, if I was there voting, well I would be my usual self, and they can challenge me as much as they want to. My being in the security industry, I know certain laws better than they do, and quite simly there is a law which states use of reasonable force (here in Australia), so what ever they do to me, I can do right back and still be protected.

[Tanuki]

85. You have a hard time

reading newspapers, too, apparently. "Reading your mind"? Nah, all they have to do is read your skin color. Or haven't you heard about the systematic intimidation and disenfranchisement of minority voters? In Florida, tens of thousands weren't allowed to make it as far as the voting booth last time, so your simple-minded "solution" wouldn't be an option. But I'm sure you already knew that.

[bones_7672]

28. Local paper addresses poll watchers and challengers

Our paper, Lake County, Ohio (east of Cleveland) gives a "job description" for poll challengers. From the article it seems they aren't even to speak to the voter, but go to the poll judge if they have any questions. The article lists the reason for a challenge. Check it out:

http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13208599&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6

[bones_7672]

30. Local paper addresses poll watchers and challengers

Our paper, Lake County, Ohio (east of Cleveland) gives a "job description" for poll challengers. From the article it seems they aren't even to speak to the voter, but go to the poll judge if they have any questions. The article lists the reason for a challenge. Check it out:

http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13208599&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6

[noiretextatique]

36. * Not a U.S citizen.

so they will be harressing people who don't "look" american. just as i thought.

[noiretextatique]

32. i'm taking a camera

but i seriously doubt they would dare try anything in my precinct.

[Eric J in MN]

44. I'm bringing a camera with me, too (nt)

nt

[absolutezero]

34. they aren't stopping me

I'm a rather large guy, I'll probably just toss or plow through anyone that gets in my way. Or kick them in the crotch if they really piss me off

[ulysses]

35. I'd love to have one try. n/t

[DiverDave]

37. I would laugh and go by.

If they persisted, they will be warned...once.
I'm going to vote, no one is going to stop me.

[Zynx]

40. Say he tried to steal my wallet and punch him in the head.

n/t

[smirkymonkey]

41. I live in Manhattan - they wouldn't dare.

They'd be attacked by an angry mob.

[high density]

42. I'm going to ignore them

The only people I'm talking to at the polls are the people I go with and the poll worker that checks my name off and gives me a ballot.

[H2O Man]

45. Convert them to the truth.

And forgive their republican sins.

[AnnInLa]

49. If you're a woman,

Kinda stumble into him, and then yell loudly that he grabbed your boob.

[gordianot]

51. I learned what to do in 1972 taught to me by the Sergent Major.

No beating involved, quick and painless after you pass out.

I have very strong feelings about the voting booth.

[HEIL PRESIDENT GOD]

87. Yep.

Tendon behind the ear and adam's apple. It would be beautiful watching those beady little eyes bug out.

[autorank]

53. I'm a poll watcher for the Democratic Party

All I'm supposed to do as a poll watcher is make sure out people are showing up. Nobody said anything to me about challenging anyone!

If the Repigs give me any crap, I'll speak to the election's official on site and that will be it. I doubt that this will happen because I live in Virginia, a civilized state (read: Democratic Governor). I am gravely concerned that when the Jim Crow's show up in Ohio there will be problems. From what I've read, they're in full 'supress the vote' mode.

It's going to get real ugly, real quick! I hope Kerry makes a statement and throws down with the Republicans who think they can steal the election.

[Arkana]

54. Lay him out flat

with a one-two combo to the gut, and then calmly step into the voting booth and pull the lever for John Kerry.

[NoPasaran]

55. They've missed their chance

I voted on Monday.

[aldian159]

56. Deck him.

But I don't expect to be challenged. I'm 6'5". about 215 lbs, and keep myself in good shape. Some spineless GOP bastard would have to drink a lot of kool-aid to think he can get between me and a voting booth.

Reminds me of when JK was in Chicago before the IL primary and like four guys were holding up flip-flops. Me and these three Teamsters I met in line saw this and went up to them. Without saying a word, they saw us and fled like the roaches they are.

[Oilwellian]

66. I remember your story....

and just love the visual. Democratic men rock. :toast:

[Bluebear]

58. Shout loudly "NO I WILL NOT GO TO YOUR CAR FOR SEX NOW FUCK OFF!"

[Milspec]

88. The best suggestion yet!

I would love to see the pin heads face.

And probably more do-able and effective that the "deck him" sujestions from people that,most likly, haven't thrown a punch since 8th grade

[Hobo]

59. Drop him/her like .......

A bad habit. After the bandaid stunt at the Repube circle jerk in NY. They better not even look in my direction. I owe it to my purple heart winning brother.

Hobo

Peace

[Robbie67]

61. "Officer! Officer!"

Have the fucker arrested for vote tampering and assault.

[kevin881]

62. drop him like a bad habit. I am 230lbs and 8% bodyfat. let em try.

[Robbie67]

65. 230 pounds with 8% bodyfat?

what are ya? a weightlifter or a fullback?

[TahitiNut]

63. Consume as much of the person's time as I possibly could ...

... making sure I got their name and a good description, including scars and any other identifiable marks. After I voted successfully, I'd file charges of interference and attempts to deny my voting rights. (Later, I'd make sure they could use some Vicoden.)

[aeolian]

64. Eat their skin.

That'll learn 'em.

[RPM]

67. punch her in the mouth...

and then vote.

The repub rep at my polling site has known me since age 4 - I think she knows better than to challenge my enfranchisement.

Although after 24 years, I would like to punch her in the mouth... but I;d rather vote without incident.

[LSK]

68. invite him to my home ACROSS THE STREET

[porkrind]

69. "Out of the way, fascist dumbass, I'm comin' through !!!"

n/t

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

70. laugh and point

Blue city, blue state. Ain't gonna happen here.

[yardwork]

71. I already voted in North Carolina and had no problems at all

I am going to volunteer on Election Day and so I hope to be there to help smooth out any "misunderstandings" that might arise. However, I live in a heavily Democratic town with a feisty attitude in a red state, so there are about a hundred thousand people who are way ahead of me on this. I don't expect any problems in my town.

It's the other parts of the state that worry me.

[GoSolar]

89. My folks

voted in NC with no problems. My partner and I voted in VA with no problems. All for Kerry of course. :D

[TankLV]

73. already voted in Henderson, NV Tuesday.

But I could not IMAGINE what would happen if one dared do it.

I doubt it would be a problem here where I live in my precinct.

[dorktv]

76. tell him/her that the tee shirt would indicate that I am not

here to vote. (I have these cool teeshirts that say VOTE FOR ME!)

[MADem]

79. Accuse them of molestation

...Scream, at the top of my lungs, THIS PERSON TOUCHED MY PRIVATES!!!

POLICE, POLICE, POLICE!!!!!

At the very least, they'll be tied up for a while, or asked to leave.

[Technowitch]

80. Won't happen to me, I've already voted

And for Kerry and every Democrat I could vote for!

[Behind the Aegis]

81. American citizen!

If someone tried to stop me, I would remind them I am an American, and I am guaranteed the right to vote! If they kept trying to stop me, I would scream "free money," as that will draw a crowd. IF they are still so stupid as to try to stop me...I played soccer for 10 years and I can kick BALLS!

[The Flaming Red Head]

82. The same thing I did in 96 call the local dem office and refuse to leave

until I get to vote. At which time they found my name on the rolls and then I'll stay until I make sure my vote is tabulated and not put in the shredder. Funny how those machines were sitting side by side.

I wasn't the only one they did that to either.

[slater71]

83. Knock him the fuck out. No discussion.

[Redleg]

86. Laugh in their face and say "are you shitting me?"

And then politely tell them to back the fuck off.

[JNelson6563]

90. I'll whip out my voter reg. and tell 'em to step off

Maybe tell 'em they're better than working for "Thugs-R-Us" and to go get a real job. Somethin' respectable.

Julie