Reuters: Millions Blocked from Voting in U.S. Election

[Raster]

By Alan Elsner

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Millions of U.S. citizens, including a disproportionate number of black voters, will be blocked from voting in the Nov. 2 presidential election because of legal barriers, faulty procedures or dirty tricks, according to civil rights and legal experts.

The largest category of those legally disenfranchised consists of almost 5 million former felons who have served prison sentences and been deprived of the right to vote under laws that have roots in the post-Civil War 19th century and were aimed at preventing black Americans from voting.

But millions of other votes in the 2000 presidential election were lost due to clerical and administrative errors while civil rights organizations have cataloged numerous tactics aimed at suppressing black voter turnout. Polls consistently find that black Americans overwhelmingly vote for Democrats.

"There are individuals and officials who are actively trying to stop people from voting who they think will vote against their party and that nearly always means stopping black people from voting Democratic," said Mary Frances Berry, head of the U.S. Commission on Human Rights.

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http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=domesticNews&storyID=6306466

This is a national disgrace. In a true democracy EVERY vote counts. EVERY citizen has a voice. Preventing anyone from legally casting their ballot should be considered treason and punishable by the highest penalty.

[forgethell]

1. It should certainly be

a felony, but treason is defined by the US Constitution, and that ain't it.

[warrens]

2. Disgrace is perhaps the wrong word

A CRIME is what it is. Sickening.

[GrapplerHK]

3. this is criminal

foul