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napi21

(45,806 posts)
Wed Apr 15, 2020, 09:38 PM Apr 2020

Just got tis frightening email about voting in Ga.

Right-wing operatives are threatening to use military patrols on election day as “poll watchers”.

Let’s be very clear -- this is a direct attempt by Republicans to try and intimidate voters at the polls.

It was sent by a group called Progressive Caucus. I don't know who they are.

It doesn't bother ne if they do that, mainly because at least for the primary in June it's all going to be mail0in ballots. Don't know about the General in Nov. I'm hoping they'll do the same (they mailed every registered voter an application for an absentee ballot).

Why would voters be afraid if military people being poll watchers?

7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
1. Sounds like white wing blustering to me. Besides, Georgia has had voting by mail since 2005.
Wed Apr 15, 2020, 09:46 PM
Apr 2020

I cannot understand why people wait until the last day to vote when they might be ill, have something else come up, run the risk of a computer glitch, show up at the wrong polling place, etc.

For a red state, Georgia has good voting laws -- you can register on-line, check your registration on-line, vote up to 30 days before the election, and no-excuse absentee voting is basically voting by mail. There is no reason not to vote in Georgia. If someone doesn't have a computer, the local Democratic or other organizations are there to help.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,750 posts)
3. Because it would smack of being in a military dictatorship.
Wed Apr 15, 2020, 09:47 PM
Apr 2020

Our military is not supposed to be used that way.

However, it's clear the email is intended purely as fear-mongering. Delete it and anything else that comes from that source.

mcar

(42,210 posts)
4. Each voting precinct can have 1 Dem, 1 Rep poll watcher
Wed Apr 15, 2020, 09:51 PM
Apr 2020

and there can be "observers" outside.

In FL, the Democratic party is actively recruiting poll watchers and observers so each precinct has equal representation. I went to the training but didn't do the FL pres primary because COVID.

The poll watchers are certified by the supervisor of elections and have every right to be there. From what I've heard, they are welcomed by the poll workers and clerks.

They are watchers. They cannot speak to anyone in the precinct but the precinct clerk, or leader. If they see something inappropriate, they address it to that clerk.

They can text the observer outside, and the party's legal team, if something is really off (like a voter being turned away instead of being given a provisional ballot).

Claustrum

(4,845 posts)
5. I agree. I am not afraid if military (even if they open-carry) is "poll watchers"
Wed Apr 15, 2020, 09:58 PM
Apr 2020

They have no basis to prevent me from voting. They have no idea if I am voting for democrats or republicans anyways.

napi21

(45,806 posts)
6. I can only guess that sdome people who are intimuidated by authority would be scared away from
Wed Apr 15, 2020, 10:03 PM
Apr 2020

the polls. Some folks are intimated by anyone in a uniform. I have no idea why.

Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
7. Pretty sure that would not be allowed, if they are in uniform.
Wed Apr 15, 2020, 10:32 PM
Apr 2020

and if they aren't - they sholdn't be any more intimidating than anyone else.

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