It says "Democrat Party" on my Challenger Pass

[Kire]

I represent the second district of Independence Township in Warren County, NJ and I just received my challenger pass, which lets me challenge the validity of votes in my district. It says I represent the "Democrat Party", an offensive slur against Democrats.

I don't think I can get them to change it without getting a lot of people to call them up and ask them (nicely). I don't even think I know how to do it nicely. It pisses me off so much.

So, if you don't mind, give the Warren County Board of Elections a phone call during business hours and ask them to make it say "Democratic Party" on their Challenger Passes. Writing letters is cool, too.

Warren County Board of Elections
Court House
413 Second Street
Belvidere, NJ 07823

908-475-6312, ot
908-475-6313

Fax [phone]

Thank you for your help.

Kire

[Eric J in MN]

1. Are you going to be at the polls on election day saying...

...that certain people aren't eligible to vote?

[Kire]

2. Probably not

But I'm allowed to see proof that they are.

[Kire]

3. Here is a very good article in the New Yorker about this.

The "IC" Factor

http://www.newyorker.com/talk/content/articles/060807ta_talk_hertzberg

[Kire]

4. I wrote a letter to the editor

Dear Editor:

Democrat is not an adjective. Look it up in the dictionary. There is no Democrat Party, despite what the clearly partisan Warren County Election Board's Challenger Passes say. The Democrat National Committee doesn't exist, and the Democrat Plan goes by another name.

Using Democrat in this way started with Republicans in the 1940's, and was used "liberally" by Senator Joseph McCarthy during the height of his paranoid witch hunts. It is a deliberate slur against members of the Democratic party. It screams "rat". It is an insult. It denies the Democrats of their legitimate connection to the word Democracy.

George W. Bush claims the campaigning is over, that he wants to work with the new Democratic Congressional majority, but he betrays his lies when the first thing he says in his press conference on Wednesday is, "The Democrat Party had a good night last night." It's exactly like greeting your new black co-worker with the N-word during your introduction.

It will be nice working with you, Mr. President...or not.

Kire
Hackettstown, NJ

[flyarm]

5. each state deals with it different..i was a poll watcher in fla 2004

in fla it is called poll watcher....in Nj my second home a challaneger..same thing..

during elections in fla each poll watcher is designated by either the party , or a candidate, ..

for instance ..in early vote ..most days i was designated by the Kerry Campaign..they were only allowed so many poll watchers..other days i was designated a democratic party poll watcher and had that on my badge..other days i was designated by a local candidate..and had that candidates name on my badge..

some days a specific candidate would request me..as i was "at large" i could move around to any precinct ..

but each state has different laws and rules..i know NJ calls poll watchers ..challengers..same thing different name..i don't know but perhaps in a presidential election..they may designate a candidate..instead of party..i don't know but it would be a good question to ask your dnc or dec chair!!

fly