Steal Back Your Vote!
By John Amato Wednesday Oct 22, 2008 5:30am
Greg Palast's book: Armed Madhouse is a good read.
Intimidation is a big part of Republican strategy to keep turn out low. Latinos should band together and show up to vote in groups of at least four so that they won't be intimidated when someone tries to deny them the right to legally vote. Republicans are deathly afraid of the Latino influence in elections ever since Sennsenbrenner tried to call them all felons and the radical right shot down any attempt to get an immigration deal. Why do you think Rove and Bush tried to pass that legislation?
Greg and Robert Kennedy, Jr. have a new article out in Rolling Stone called: Block The Vote:
This November, what happened to Maez will happen to hundreds of thousands of voters across the country. In state after state, Republican operatives — the party's elite commandos of bare-knuckle politics — are wielding new federal legislation to systematically disenfranchise Democrats. If this year's race is as close as the past two elections, the GOP's nationwide campaign could be large enough to determine the presidency in November. "I don't think the Democrats get it," says John Boyd, a voting-rights attorney in Albuquerque who has taken on the Republican Party for impeding access to the ballot. "All these new rules and games are turning voting into an obstacle course that could flip the vote to the GOP in half a dozen states."
These 7 steps come from the website: Steal Back Your Vote. You can watch it too...
STEP 1: DON'T DON'T DON'T mail in your ballot!! Absentee ballots are often not counted for the weakest of reasons. Furthermore, there are new rules in many states that you must photocopy your ID and send it with the ballot. However, they often don't even tell you that. So HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of absentee votes will not be counted for this reason.
STEP 2: VOTE EARLY ...VERY EARLY! Many states are already allowing you to vote. Do it NOW. That way if you're not listed on the voter roles, you have plenty of time to get your complaint heard.
STEP 3: REGISTER AND THEN REGISTER AND THEN REGISTER! There is a TON of purging of voter rolls going on. It's not enough to think you're registered. Double check twelve times. You can check online at www.votersunite.org/info/RegInfo.asp . Once you're done with that, go register. ...Then go register.
STEP 4: DO NOT FILL OUT A PROVISIONAL BALLOT if your vote is challenged!! In 2004 the Republicans challenged a ridiculous number of voters. The voters were then told by a sweet little lady at a table that their "provisional ballot" would be counted, BUT IT WON'T. Don't listen to the little old lady!! DEMAND that poll judges make the judgement ON THE SPOT. Demand a call to the supervisor of elections. If you have to, go home and come back with a better form of ID.
If you need help, call ELECTION PROTECTION at 1-866-OUR-VOTE . And help those around you when you're at the polling place. Look for people having trouble. Call the number for them. Tell them not to fill out a provisional ballot!
STEP 5:STEP AWAY FROM YOUR COMPUTER! Walk out your front door and get active!! Volunteer to help with the campaign. Or ignore the campaign and do something on your own. It's as simple as printing out these ELECTION PROTECTION steps and leaving them at people's doors. Hell, you could hand then out outside the polling places. Don't sit still or this election WILL be stolen. And go to a swing state if at all possible.
STEP 6: FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS VOTE WITHOUT FRIENDS! Don't go to vote alone. Bring friends!! Lots of them or only one of them. Make it a date. Arrange to have lunch with everyone after you vote. Whatever it takes. And have your election protection phone number WITH YOU (1-866-OUR-VOTE).
STEP 7: IT AIN'T OVER 'TILL IT'S OVER! If the election is indeed stolen, don't throw in the towel! The day after is CRUCIAL! Three words need to be chanted over and over again: COUNT EVERY VOTE. For example, in 2000 Al Gore lost because of a Supreme Court decision that was 5-4 against him. Imagine if he had won that court decision. But if half of America had not chanted COUNT EVERY VOTE after election day, we would never have gotten to the Supreme Court. Half of America could've thrown in the towel on election night, but thanks to people in the streets, it was fought to the end.
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Flip them your voting finger.
If this is another bloody contested election....I'm gonna go apeshit.
but there was a brief report on MSNBC that an Al Qaida transmission had been received stating that they were planning an attack unless McCain wins.
Did anyone see it? I got this message secondhand?
What is going on? Who released this so-called transmission?
I have to call bullshit on this!
Like Al Quaida gives a damn who wins...they hate us for our freedoms, remember!?
Ah. Could this be the infamous October surprise? Damn me for being so cynical.
I see a lot of MSNBC and I have not seen this. If it is true they would have it on often. Olbermann, Maddow,and Tweety would be running with it. Wolfie would be saying it too. And Anderson. I think it is bullshit.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/u...
...just saw the report this morning on MSNBC.
Bring 'em on.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/22/al-q...
It shouldn't be this difficult and frightening to vote in our country. WTF happened? Damn, it seems like it's getting more bizarre each time we elect a president. I wonder if the people in Iraq are watching how this new democracy that we are shoving down their throats is working for us over here.
Some time back we received an ad from McCain urging us to vote by mail. It even included two little cards to send in to request a mail-in ballot. Of course, I did not send them in.
I'm about to pull the lever for Alan Keyes, wish me good luck!
Psyche!!!!!!!!!
Seriously though, thanks for this. And we're way ahead of you on the latin influence. We're going in droves in Texas.
Minorities and younger people are voting in record numbers. So even if there is an 'October Suprise' their votes are locked up. But I'm uneasy. The tone of McCain's campaign is getting more ugly. Can you imagine what these idiots will do if McCain loses? I shudder at the thought!
Then they'll go back to their jobs as walmart greeters.
...That crystal meth isn't gonna smoke itself...
Has anybody heard more about repugs pushing a dress code for people coming to vote in some states? If not dressed right, you can't vote?
But no official dress code...man...these damn criminals will try anything to steal the election.
fuckin assholes!
If you have any clothing, buttons, etc that endorse a canidate you will have to take it off. There is no campaining within 25 feet (I think that's the #) of a polling place. Wear plain clothing don't give them an excuse....
Can I wear my shirt with Bush as the Devil?
Or my shirt that says "It's not Fascism when we do it" and has a brownshirt goosestepping with the GOP flag?
They will throw you out. Put it back on when you are 100 ft. away from the polling place.
Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE and ask.
within a certain distance of the polling places.
Wearing an explicitly political article of apparel could violate wuch regulations which I, personally, do not find all that odious. I have a LOT of shirts without political slogans on them, and I'll bet you do, too...
Red flag alert:
"SARANAC LAKE - Powerful generals and admirals from some of the most powerful nations on Earth are reportedly meeting somewhere in the local area this weekend after flying into the Adirondack Regional Airport in Lake Clear on Friday"
http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page...
Wonder what they are planning?
......a little October surprise (or November, December or January - up to the 20th).
In NM, a fairly provincial little place, the Sec of State web site offers a link by which any citizen may review their voter registration information. I used the NM link the other day and discovered I was indeed properly and completely registered. I encourage everyone to utilize this resource to assure themselves of their status, though in most states it is now and already too late to actually DO anything about it if y ou discover you've been purged...
... and KEEP CHECKING IT! The repugs will be doing some voter purging between now and the day.
Sorry about shouting.
...for McCain!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/...
The the repugs didn't even have to steal it.
He didn't care who voted. Only who counted the votes.
Repubs are good at taking their lessons where they can find them.
voting is for squares, man.
to mention one useful trick. Acquire and wear an NRA button when voting. You will almost certainly not be challenged regardless of what ID you have.
Two to watch from last nights KO and Rach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGLz1xDOIco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RWxF5xuPYg
KO,s comment on Palin last night was great. Its sad to think that a third grader is smarter then the person who would be VP.
From Ohio to Florida to Montana, here's where Republicans may be using voter suppression tactics to tilt the presidential election.
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/10/22/...
I also recommend bringing a camcorder to every polling place just in case you need it. Maybe a camera too. Take pics of everyone who looks like they are up to no good.
The terrorists know what thinking America has figured out already. The best way to destroy America is to keep the Republicans in power. That's why McCain/Palin is Bin Laden's choice. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/22/al-q...
Seems like the guy who "pals around with terrorists" would be their choice, no?
Don't you think he looks tired?
http://pics.livejournal.com/puppetmaker40/pic...
It is being reported that in WVa people are complaining that when they vote for democrats their votes are being switched over to repug votes. State officials, who are repugs, say there is nothing wrong with the machines, and the people are just making mistakes. The theft of this election has already started.
I saw this on MSNBC just now. And the question I'm shouting at the reporter is, OK, when you go tell someone--and SHOW them--that the screen says "Republican" when you know you chose "Democratic," what happens then?
It's one thing to say there's nothing wrong...what happens when you prove it to them? What are they doing about it? That's where this 1-866-OUR-VOTE number has to come in.
Folks! Don't just give up! Fight it all the fucking way to the head of county elections, your county clerk, whoever is in charge. Don't leave! Demand they fix it right there and now!
I'm always amazed when I see these things. Granted I live in a predominately white middle class district in Nebraska but in all the years of voting I've never experienced (and can't imagine experiencing) even a hint of voter suppression/intimidation. If I ever did experience that or see that I'm afraid to think what I'd say or do to the one practicing the tactics.
"Do not imagine, comrades, that leadership is a pleasure. On the contrary, it is a deep and heavy responsibility. No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?" - Animal Farm
The article by Robert Kennedy in the Rolling Stone is a great read and as anyone who follows these things knows Robert Kennedy has been on the front lines for us for a long time. I hope he lands a spot in an Obama administration.
As for the above mention of Texas although it's never mentioned in the press (Texas being a lock Red State) Obama will win Harris County which is the majority of the city of Houston, he will win the city of Dallas, perhaps San Antonio, and a lot of the border towns. Texas is in play folks please vote and vote early.
Excellent advice, particularly about checking to verify if you're registered and go in groups to vote! Go in person to register to make sure you've met all ID requirements. Take unassailable ID, driver's license with picture, recent utility bills (they prove where you live), work ID, anything else that ties you to an address, etc. to register AND to vote.
Early voting in my state begins next week, and that's when I'll vote. What's odd is that my state, Georgia, almost always goes Republican, and I've heard no hullabaloo about any of the voter or election fraud problems that seem to exist in swing states or heavily Democratic states.
I voted early (the first day) so my vote should count, but iff the republicans steal this elections like Dubya did in 2000 and 2004, I am making a trip to Washington DC, and sit my ass of the whitehouse lawn in protest.
Maybe the answer is for people to stop registering with a party preference. I've always found that odd.
Here in Canada (totally different system so not much comparison) you can check a box on your income tax return giving them permission to add you to the voters' list. Then you get a card in the mail at election time (civic, provincial or federal) that you take to the polls. We have to show ID now, something new, at the poll. If you don't file a tax return, there are other ways to get on the list. It's pretty straightforward and efficient.
Nobody knows who you will vote for until you actually mark your ballot. We use paper, find it easiest and least tamper-proof.
Fake voters are extremely rare, although it happens occasionally.
Caveat
But they're zeroing in on Independents, too, the party that many have changed their registration to in protest against Congressional wimpiness over the last 8 years. Probably a majority of Independents WILL vote for Obama, though.
Registering without a party choice may have drawbacks in some states.
See, but here's the deal. You live in Canada. Everybody has health care. You don't start wars over lies. You don't cheat at the polls. You use paper ballots. You don't call your opponents "un-Canadian," or verbally abuse them because they're not Christians. You have a melodic national anthem that anyone can sing.
God I miss Canada.
Subject: Protect Your Right to Vote Now
We are on the eve of one of the most historic elections of our time. And the last thing America needs right now is another election that leaves us uncertain of its legitimacy.
Unfortunately, there are enough shenanigans going on to raise serious concerns.
The biggest of them all: Attorney General Mukasey and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are walking away from their sacred responsibility to guarantee smooth and fair elections.
While the government is engaged in a highly-publicized attempt to raise the specter of voter fraud against groups who have been working hard to register poor and minority voters, DOJ is doing little -- if anything -- to deal with the real problem -- hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of registered voters who may turn up on Election Day just to be turned away.
I just asked the DOJ to take decisive action before Election Day to protect the right to vote for everyone. You can do the same here:
Election officials should concentrate their limited resources on expanding access to the ballot box and protecting voters. Demand that the Department of Justice act to protect voting rights.
http://action.aclu.org/protectthevote
to make sure I was registered to vote. It was online and easy as pie. I recommend everyone check to see if they are registered as well.
And yes, I am registered, thank you very much...
My brother lives in Colorado Springs and has been volunteering to help raise voter awareness. Apparently in El Paso county, at least, the elections auditor there "neglected" to state on the mail-in ballot envelope that extra postage was required! So potentially thousands of people could just stick one stamp on it and have it sent back!
So if you MUST mail in a ballot, make sure you do your homework!
The nonprofit I work for has compiled research from NGOs on this very topic-- honestly, I didn't know the problem of Republican election stealing was so systematic and widespread until recently! I think that the felon voting disenfranchisement laws are particularly disturbing, as most of the people it affects historically vote Democratic--
"Racial disparities in the criminal justice system translate into higher rates of disenfranchisement in communities of color, resulting in one of every eight adult black males being ineligible to vote."
http://www.issuelab.org/research/expanding_th...
"For example, in 2000 Al Gore lost because of a Supreme Court decision that was 5-4 against him. Imagine if he had won that court decision. But if half of America had not chanted COUNT EVERY VOTE after election day, we would never have gotten to the Supreme Court. Half of America could've thrown in the towel on election night, but thanks to people in the streets, it was fought to the end."
"fought to the end"? Which end? The one where everyone gave up & allowed the highest office in our country to be stolen - the decision left to lifetime term political appointees? If by "to the end" it's that end you mean...then, yeah. Really sad & pathetic. Definitely not going to be a fool & waste my vote & time by voting in rigged elections. Until we become diligent in the process & take back OUR country, instilling & abiding by the laws WE deem vital (e.g., The United States Constitution) - these events will continue to take place, as they have since the beginning.
See, but here's the deal--again. If you won't bother to "waste your vote & time," how the hell are you going to "become diligent in the process & take back OUR country"? See the conundrum there?
No votee, no country. Sometimes you have to take the first step; the first step will not always come to you.
sure, it's a dilemma & I don't have the answer but I do know:
1. It won't happen by following their rules, procedures & processes (e.g. voting).
2. Doing the same thing repeatedly gets you the same results.
3. "If you can't beat them, join them" & "Go along to get along" mentalities aren't effective change mechanisms.
4. It's not the votes we need to be concerned with, it's the vote counters (whether people or machine).
Our government moved light-speed fast with our recent corporate terrorists financial threats & they respond fast when anything threatens their special interests. Fear based items seem to be a huge motivating factor, as they are for many people. I also note our governments & citizens despise for their own compatriots, discriminating towards monetary classes, but despise for all other than their own nonetheless & a need to dominate.
So, while I don't have the answer to your question, perhaps others might have ideas here. The only things I can think of at this point are either relying on the broken system (courts, etc.) or involve a certain amount of strife (targeted civil revolution).
and then there's those things called Representative Democracy (vs. Pure/Direct Democracy) & Electoral College to protect "us" (them) from our will as well.
So vote to change it. Sitting on the sidelines won't do a damn thing.
neither will/does voting.
When it comes to stealing I'll have to bet on the repubs.. the dems might try but they are to slow and are not as practiced.. I think I'm voting reb this time as the country is not ready to move ahead yet. almost one half of us still do not get it.. maybe 4 more yr's will do the trick ... if we still have a country at the end of them.
Greg Palast is the man! Thanks for posting!
Gimme a break!
The USA is bankrupt & Oct 1st US Military troops are training to fight American citizens
US owes 96 trillion it has plundered & pledged to SS & Medicare
US plundered another 53 trillion from other trusts
US owes 10 trillion interest to a bunch of private bankers it allows to print money out of thin air
US owes on 12 trillion Freddie & Fannie; US owes untold to Bernanke's buddies on Wall Street
US is over and done with!
Thank god for my second citizenship!
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