Galloglas Update: Out of Jail and ready to answer all questions:

[galloglas]

edit by galloglas: accidentally cropped off top greeting


Hello to all of DU!

It has been an unusual day for me by any measure. And with Round One of the "Ballot Battle of Independence" now over, I wish to answer all of the questions which arose in this thread





http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3735725#3735796

where today's bizarre events were first reported by Proud2Blib.

And I wish to express my profound thanks both to Proud and to kiteinthewind for covering this ground (and my backside) while I was... umm... otherwise occupied. ;-) Brave, true, loyal friends are absolutely necessary to fight and win against the Electoral Sith Lords. And these two as good as they come.

If my tale was essay for my High School English teacher, it might well be called "While casting a vote, I was cast into jail" or "Electoral Judge, Jury and Executioners". While it matters little what it is called, it matters very greatly what happened. So I will now go to Proud2Blib's origin OP (URL above) and tell the tale where a number of very pertinent questions have already been brought up.

Please hop on over to that thread and look for my post (probably post #170 or more, or there abouts).
:-)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. What type of ID were they requiring?

Was there something about your appearance that made them ask for "more ID" --ie, a brown skin, or long hair, or something like that?

[galloglas]

12. Hi there!

No, unfortunately it was not that obvious.

It could be because our group, Show Me The Vote !!, sponsored a Missouri Constitutional Amendment last year attempting to take Missouri back to clear, simple hand counted paper ballots. And they may recognize me when I come in the door.

But more than likely it is simply the judges getting in practice for November disenfranchisemnt work.

[Hugabear]

2. Everyone needs to K&R this - this is how they will steal the election in November

Sorry this happened to you, but it's probably just practice for what they'll do in November. What's important is that you calmly stood your ground, and did not simply back down like they hoped you would. How many voters in November will simply go home and not vote?

[galloglas]

13. Hopefully there will not be as many

It was really a big deal for them to push this issue this far.

If every one will just stand their ground, if this happens again, they will have to give up this horrible practice. There are not enough cells in Independence to put all of us who demand an honest count and honest procedures.

Our 501(c) organization, Show Me he Vote!! will be launching a web site soon which will have phone numbers to call for election protection calls. Lawyers will be ready to step in if there is problem, as well as taking complaints about election problems and snafus.

If you haven't seen those numbers pop up by 9-1, drop me a note. But, when you do have those numbers, the very best thing to do is to call an advocate the instant a problem occurs.


Phil

[NewYorkerfromMass]

29. Hey you're high up on DailyKos right now

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/6/9488/29311/996/563441 (see the rec list on the home page)

and note your story got over 13,000 views right here on DU!
Good job standing up for your rights. There's millions of us standing right behind you.

Great job!

[mmonk]

3. How much data were they trying to require from you?

Where I live, the requirements aren't that stringent.

[galloglas]

17. They were

insisting on seeing an ID with my signature on it. And, most people only carry a credit card or drivers license with a signature.

And, if I had voted, I would have had to sign the Poll Register anyway before casting my ballot. And when I did, they would see my signature (which is fine) when I sign in to the Poll Register.

My own thought is that the only thing that they were doing is trying to illegally force me to show my drivers license, or passport, or some other signed item with my signature. And if people give in to those illegal requests once, the election judges will try to force it every time... even though Missouri Courts have found it unconstitutional

And there is really no reason to do that. Except they know that the people who are most likely not to have drivers licenses are the elderly, the disabled, the homebound, city dwellers, bus riders, etc. And they Also know that these folks are usually about 85% to 90% Democratic in their voting patterns.

So, if Photo Voter ID or Drivers Licenses are required, it is almost certain that more democrats will not be able to vote than Republicans.

There thinking is that they do not have to get 50% of the vote, if they can keep 5% to 10% of democrats from voting.

Not a very sporting way of playing politics, in my opinion.

[mmonk]

21. I'm glad the Missouri Supreme Court found it unconstitutional

(though our partisan Supreme Court is a different matter). I was just curious. I know the reasons behind wanting to require photo ID's and such (to disenfranchise).

[galloglas]

19. The law in Missouri is not that stringent either

I think these poll Judges had appointed themselves as little tin gods, and were trying to make up their own rules.

What they wanted from me was something with my picture and signature on it> In other words, they wanted me to have a Photo Voter ID, even though it was illegal to ask for it.

[Infomaniac]

4. Proud to give the 5th vote

I'm glad you're all right after your brush with the law.

[galloglas]

20. And for that, I thank you. n/t

[jcla]

5. Are they going to standardize the poll worker training?

Are they going to make sure the poll workers understand the rules about what I.D.'s are acceptable?
Are you going to sue (class action) for their failure to let you vote?
What other measures can you take? For instance, getting observers who know the rules at the polls?

[Gold Metal Flake]

8. As you read the account of the incident of election fraud by the poll workers...

Link to the story:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=3735725&mesg_id=3737989

As you read that, you can easily understand that this was not an issue of a lack of training amongst newby poll workers, but rather an issue of deliberate election fraud by trained veteran poll workers who deliberately disregarded the law.

Additional training will not prevent a re-occurrence of this incident. Prosecution of the poll workers for fraudulently blocking a citizen from voting and them barring them from ever working in any official election capacity might help.

Class action sounds interesting, if other aggrieved parties can be located. But I think this guy has a case on his own.

[Kire]

35. why do you say that it is..

..."not an issue of a lack of training amongst newby poll workers, but rather an issue of deliberate election fraud by trained veteran poll workers who deliberately disregarded the law."

charlene at the election board said at least once that they might not be properly trained, someone also admitted that the rules were not properly posted and Leroy seemed taken aback when he talked to the election board and discovered that he couldn't collect signatures anymore.

Are they not innocent until proven guilty?

[Pacifist Patriot]

41. In the full story he points out that he recognized these particular poll workers from previous...

elections and discounted the idea that they might be new or untrained.

[Kire]

43. you know what they say about. making assumptions..

I bet the answer can be found on google somewhere.

[jcla]

44. Training and Retraining in Los Angeles

Laws in California and Los Angeles are constantly changing. As a city employee training and retraining are current and enforced from the supervisory level down. This must be done regularly. If it is not consistent or done well then it is very hard to make a perpetrator (city employee or public person) accountable for his/her actions. Accountability is a hallmark of Democracy.

Our polls have posted in prominent view what the rights of both voters and poll workers are. If anyone feels that his/her rights have been violated then there are numbers on the placard where to call.

I live in a predominantly stable African-American voting district. I have seen poll worker and voters alike helping others who don't know where their polls are by calling the registrar, getting and giving id requirements, giving addresses and often directions to the other required polling place and offering alternatives... such as provisional ballots.

Training, retraining and caring then taking action are vital elements in protecting our freedoms. Training and retraining are vital elements in law suits. A person do not have to be a newbie to not know the laws..new or old. And this is one place where his case (and I think it could be a good one)can break down.

[livvy]

6. KnR, and now I must go find out what happened.

Glad you're ok.

:patriot: I salute you.

[Hissyspit]

7. Please follow through.

Everyone concerned should be shown that they were in the wrong.

Your ticket was for a catch-all nothing charge that is often used when authorities don't want to admit they are wrong deal with someone.

[fascisthunter]

9. Glad everything is ok... and Thanks for Standing Up

you did good.

[Bill McBlueState]

10. Here's a list of each state's ID requirements

It's good reading for anyone who might end up in your situation (which is to say, all of us!).

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3738443

:toast:

[coffeenap]

11. Thank you for what you did. I would like to forward this info

to lots of "regular" people who don't believe things like this really happen as well as send it to my DINO representative's staff. Also, you have inspired me to spend election day as an election judge, again, so I can guard against such things in my predominantly repub. district. You are a hero and your story should be all over the media.

[davsand]

14. Would your MO AG get involved? Any State Reps?

Seems to me this is a bad enough offense that you should be able to get some traction with some high profile Dem. (Forgive me--I am in Illinois and I do not know your statewide elected folks at all--beyond knowing Claire McCaskill's name!) Is there anyone that can go to bat on this? How about the Unions?

Seems to me that if you are dealing with it now, they oughtta be mighty worried about it for the General Election this November. I'd think the metro areas (read as probable Dem voters) would be possible targets for this kind of crap.

I would also suggest that you consider cross posting on this subject in the GDP forum, simply because the campaigns may be reading there, too.


Stand tall!



Laura

[Disturbed]

15. Kudos.

:yourock:

[TOOLZ]

16. Thanks for Reporting this!

I have documented this type of suppression in my new film FREE FOR ALL!

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eRJbbtCbF8

Watch the film for free: www.freeforall.tv

I hope we can document your experience for VIDEO THE VOTE.

[proud2BlibKansan]

23. Hey TOOLZ!!

As soon as I finished watching your wonderful film, (posted here on DU - thanks muchly!!) the first person I contacted was Galloglas. I knew he would want to see it.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

18. You have my greatest admiration for shedding light on corrupt polling practices.

:patriot:

[Lugnut]

22. K&R n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

24. Proud to K and R

for one of my very favorite friends in real life as well as on DU!! :hug:

[Matariki]

25. Please keep us all updated on what happens with this

And thank you. More people need to do as you did and not back down on principles. Our nation would be a better place.

Could you post in new threads with any updates? That other thread is quite long now.

[Usrename]

26. Sounds like ol' Leroy filed a false police report.

He says you refuse to show proper ID.

Wrong!

I hope you try and take him to court.

[Karenina]

27. Kickety!

:kick:

[sellitman]

28. This is why Obama has to win by a landslide.

If it is within 10% the election will be stolen again.

Your story is chilling.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

30. I Couldn't Be More Proud Of You. You Are A True Patriot.

Way to hold your ground! You rock!

:patriot:
:toast:
:yourock:

[SeattleGirl]

31. No questions, just KUDOS TO YOU!

:yourock:

[Nevernose]

32. People like you

...make me proud to be a Democrat!
:kick:

[kestrel91316]

33. Wanted to make sure you knew Thom Hartmann was trying to reach you

on that original thread:

"Please email me at [e-mail] and/or my producer Shawn Taylor at [e-mail] so we can get you on the air tomorrow to tell your story."

I'll PM you, too.

[autorank]

34. I'll save my questions. The director of elections is the one who has to answer.

Outrageous!

[Divine Discontent]

36. thank you, from America's real Patriots!

:hug:

[L. Coyote]

37. Any members of the bar see a HUGE lawsuit here?

Your rights were trampled, frankly!
File suit against the individuals and the government.

Just ninety days until the election, and you need a judge's order enforcing the rights of everyone ASAP!

OR now what? Everyone needs a videographer just to vote!

[lonestarnot]

38. galloglas

I really wish you would take your account of the incident copy and paste into a thread of its own. It is difficult to find on that other thread. Took me a while. This is too important to get buried. Thanks again for all your trouble! And your son too!

[Kire]

39. somebody posted it on DailyKos

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/6/9488/29311

I hope this helps.

[WillyT]

40. Big K & R !!!

:kick:

[Pacifist Patriot]

42. Do you have any plans to persue legal recourse and sue for violation of your civil rights?

I would think that preventing you from voting when you presented legally mandated materials would constitute not only illegal action but grounds for a civil suit. Granted I'm not a lawyer.

[L. Coyote]

46. This option offers an opportunity to seek a court order mandating use of the rules

as they exist. You might be able to force the entire state to take action to ensure all election officials are fully informed of the actual rules. That is the primary purpose such a legal action could be pursued and the one that can impact the election in 89 days, but nothing says "BEHAVE" (and publicity) like a large monetary sum.

[Generic Other]

45. Americans standing up for their rights!!

What a novel idea. They better drop the charges and give you back your money. otherwise sue.

[Tesha]

48. Via the ACLU, sue. Don't settle for "dropped charges".

You were denied *YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE* and that
is certainly actionable. And it's only through
legal action that tin-horn tyrants become
educated.

Sue for $1 if that's what you wish, but sue.

Tesha

[Tesha]

47. If you haven't already contacted the ACLU, please be sure to do so.

Voting rights is one of their national priorities
these days and I'm *SURE* they would be interested
in hearing your story (and helping you bring suit).

Tesha