How disgustingly cynical.
2
The DNC disenfranchised the entire country by rigging the primary for Hillary Clinton and you have the nerve to talk about North Carolina!
I am a lifelong democratic voter and I feel like a stranger in my own country. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Hillary Clinton and the rest of the criminals who stole the Democratic Primary should be locked up in prison. The same goes for all of the corporate news media shills for Hillary from the New York Times, MSNBC, and the rest.
Dark days are ahead.
I am a lifelong democratic voter and I feel like a stranger in my own country. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Hillary Clinton and the rest of the criminals who stole the Democratic Primary should be locked up in prison. The same goes for all of the corporate news media shills for Hillary from the New York Times, MSNBC, and the rest.
Dark days are ahead.
1
Republicans are anti American
6
Welcome back Jim Crow. It's like you never left.
7
Hey Michael: SCOTUS denied stay of 4th Circuit order this afternoon. It's all over the media except the Times. Even the BBC has it.
3
The reckoning comes this November, when we throw these rats out.
Scandals caused brand damage to NC Dems, giving us the first R legislature in 100 years & the first R Governor in 20 (3 R Govs, total, since 1901).
The DAY AFTER the Supreme Court struck down Fed oversight of voting changes (part of the '64 voting act), the R's grabbed a watered down voter ID bill out of committee, where it had been parked for 2 months, requested demographic voter data from staff, and made 7 changes to the bill that made it harder for black people to vote & rammed it through in 3 days. Their intentions couldn't have been more blatant.
They excluded official State of NC Public Assistance photo ID's because they're overwhelmingly used by poor black people. An official state photo ID good for everything...except voting.
Not one case of in-person voter fraud in NC history. If you knew how voters are verified in NC, you'd know how hard it would be to pull off!
There ARE documented cases of absentee mail-in fraud, but the law didn't touch those, 'cos those are overwhelmingly used by whites.
It was shamefully obvious, and thrown out in court. So were the ridiculously gerrymandered districts, thrown out a couple of weeks ago.
Now the foot dragging and half baked efforts to comply with the courts. Shameful and transparent. They're proving why Fed oversight was part of the law.
Their days are numbered. I can hardly wait for November.
Scandals caused brand damage to NC Dems, giving us the first R legislature in 100 years & the first R Governor in 20 (3 R Govs, total, since 1901).
The DAY AFTER the Supreme Court struck down Fed oversight of voting changes (part of the '64 voting act), the R's grabbed a watered down voter ID bill out of committee, where it had been parked for 2 months, requested demographic voter data from staff, and made 7 changes to the bill that made it harder for black people to vote & rammed it through in 3 days. Their intentions couldn't have been more blatant.
They excluded official State of NC Public Assistance photo ID's because they're overwhelmingly used by poor black people. An official state photo ID good for everything...except voting.
Not one case of in-person voter fraud in NC history. If you knew how voters are verified in NC, you'd know how hard it would be to pull off!
There ARE documented cases of absentee mail-in fraud, but the law didn't touch those, 'cos those are overwhelmingly used by whites.
It was shamefully obvious, and thrown out in court. So were the ridiculously gerrymandered districts, thrown out a couple of weeks ago.
Now the foot dragging and half baked efforts to comply with the courts. Shameful and transparent. They're proving why Fed oversight was part of the law.
Their days are numbered. I can hardly wait for November.
6
Note to self: avoid North Carolina and all red states at all costs.
5
It's come to this: How do you know a Republican is lying?
A: When his/her mouth is open.
A: When his/her mouth is open.
4
We hold these truths to be self-evident:
That all men are created equal
( ..... yes they really are, women and LGBT people too ).
That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness
( ...... well only if you don't need health care, don't get shot for nothing and can afford the basics of life ).
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed
( ..... too bad if you aren't allowed to vote ).
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends
( ...... and the GOP has made protecting the rich and the self-righteous its only goal at the expense of everyone else )
it is the Right of the People to alter or or abolish it ...... when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism
( ...... is Trump anything but an intellectually vacuous hate-filled racist despot ? )
it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
It is time to vote the GOP into oblivion and remember that their Object is to protect the privileged and incarcerate the less fortunate in economic shackles as stifling as any despot's prison.
That all men are created equal
( ..... yes they really are, women and LGBT people too ).
That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness
( ...... well only if you don't need health care, don't get shot for nothing and can afford the basics of life ).
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed
( ..... too bad if you aren't allowed to vote ).
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends
( ...... and the GOP has made protecting the rich and the self-righteous its only goal at the expense of everyone else )
it is the Right of the People to alter or or abolish it ...... when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism
( ...... is Trump anything but an intellectually vacuous hate-filled racist despot ? )
it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
It is time to vote the GOP into oblivion and remember that their Object is to protect the privileged and incarcerate the less fortunate in economic shackles as stifling as any despot's prison.
5
What he should have said is: "Politics is a contact sport; 'n we're afraid of contact. So we're tryin' to keep the other players outta the game, cuz'n the best team can only win if'n the other team can't play." *spits tobacco*
5
Messrs. Hayes and Woodhouse:
You could vote early, too. It's equal opportunity.
You could vote early, too. It's equal opportunity.
Who are these people who choose corruption and deceit--as the hallmarks of theIr party? The Republicans have become a criminal enterprise. They have no ideals, not even policies--just a lust for money and power to be gotten through any means necessary. Certainly, they are a critical danger to American democracy.
7
Critics, indeed. These folks are trying to prevent a group, whom they think are opposed to their ideas, from voting. That's why the "voting rights" act was so important. Most of the South is still the South. It would be rough to be black and have been born there.
6
The entire election system needs an overhaul. Elections for national office should be run by the government. One set of rules for all states.
7
protesting voter suppression is an excellent reason for sitting down during the national anthem
5
Free and fair elections are at the core of America's national security. I hope President Obama agrees, and deploys whatever resources are needed to assure November's elections are in fact, free and fair.
3
The Republicans are more than a bit dishonest. The Democrats use rules that help all voters while the Republicans are using rules that hurt Democratic voters.
In fact if they were to be truly honest they would admit that without cheating by Republicans Congress, the White House and most states would be controlled by Democrats. Republicans make up only a tiny fraction of the country. And while Democrats don't hold a majority they are the largest single bloc.
In fact if they were to be truly honest they would admit that without cheating by Republicans Congress, the White House and most states would be controlled by Democrats. Republicans make up only a tiny fraction of the country. And while Democrats don't hold a majority they are the largest single bloc.
8
In states run by bigots have every caring state send buses. Lots of buses to bus those without cars, no matter what color to polling places. Start running buses 4 hours before the polls open. Set up sites outside polling places where those who take the buses can get food and drink for the long wait. Bring it to them in line. Bring chairs for them to sit in. Make sure they are at the front of the lines, make the Republicans stand in line all day and not even get in by the times the polls close. Make sure they close on the dot, even if every Republican in the state does not get to vote. Every day they are open. As soon as there is a bus load ready to go back, take them home with bags of pre made dinner. Only for those who rode the buses. Or are brought by private car sent by Democratic organizations. Go door to door to make sure everyone knows how to get a bus. Have people who are really outliers or are disabled picked up by private cars. At the line (so many feet) that people trying to get others to vote for a particular candidate have to be behind have entertainment through out the days. Early voting, late voting, no matter, buses will bring them. Or cars, or ambulances. Anyone can't get there to vote, bring them. Have sing alongs, the songs song during the Civil Rights marches. Have video taken of all polling places just in case the bigots start something. If they want hand to hand they can be way outnumbered. If you are a decent American make sure they are.
3
this is simply the destructive and unconscionable re-birth of Jim Crow laws,
dressed-up in 21st-Century rhetoric.
as G.C.Wallace infamously reminded President Johnson in the 1960s:
to wit:
Mr. President, i agree with your efforts to expand Voting Rights;
but my office is restrained because, you see, here in Alabama, such changes can only be made by each, local voting district official.
the continuing efforts required to maintain any semblance of fairness know no rest period.
President Obama and the DOJ should make the case for justice loud, clear and often.
3
It's time for Federal voting standards, like in the rest of the industrialized world.
Letting a bunch of Good Ol' Boys make the rules, whose grandfathers were probably in the Klan and collected Poll Taxes is not where we want to be.
Letting a bunch of Good Ol' Boys make the rules, whose grandfathers were probably in the Klan and collected Poll Taxes is not where we want to be.
7
This is Donald Trump Disease catching on. Republicans feel free to lie openly and transparently. One polling place open, twenty miles from your house. Not good enough? You shoulda thought of that before you decided to be poor and not have a car.
They must think this is the 50's when they got away with this with no questions. Probably what Donald means about taking the country back- to the 50's.
They must think this is the 50's when they got away with this with no questions. Probably what Donald means about taking the country back- to the 50's.
4
And the Republicans wonder why the Black community votes for Democrats. These Republicans are hopeless. Can't convince people of your position, then stop them from voting. I hope Trump completes his take down of the Republican party. They belong in the dust bin of history.
8
Salaried workers, who tend to be Republican, can take as much time off as they need without losing salary to vote on election day, whereas hourly workers, who tend to be Democratic, lose wages when they take off from work (always on a week day). Obviously this discourages voting by democrats. Election boards know this, so they make it as inconvenient as possible to vote.
We're way over due for a federal law requiring every state to provide the option for mail-in or drop-off ballots during an early voting period. Voting should never be a hassle. The only reason to make it so is to discourage turnout.
We're way over due for a federal law requiring every state to provide the option for mail-in or drop-off ballots during an early voting period. Voting should never be a hassle. The only reason to make it so is to discourage turnout.
6
I grew up in North Carolina and lived the first half of my life there. About 15 years ago, I was unfortunate enough to end up living and teaching for a year in Lenoir County. I left as quickly as I could. It was without question the most racist place I have ever lived in my life. The racism was not in the least bit hidden. One restaurant announced it had a KKK club for children--allegedly it stood for ____ Kid's Klub. When looking for a place to live, I had a realtor who continually steered me away from any area that had African Americans living there. I truly did not recognize the fact that I was once again living in the state where I was raised, it was so different. The idea that whites ruled and blacks had to know their place seemed firmly embedded in Lenoir County society. To hear the county officials are trying to keep African Americans from voting is not the least bit surprising. But it is sad to see that the racism is still so alive and well.
7
From the AP because the Times won't run the story:
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A divided U.S. Supreme Court refused Wednesday to reinstate North Carolina's voter identification requirement and keep just 10 days of early in-person voting.
The decision - a victory for voting rights groups and President Barack Obama's Justice Department - means voters won't have to show one of several qualifying photo IDs when casting ballots in the presidential battleground state. Early voting also reverts to 17 days, to begin Oct. 20.
The court rejected a request by Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and other state officials to delay a lower court ruling that found the state law was tainted by racial discrimination.
"Hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians will now be able to vote without barriers," Allison Riggs, an attorney representing some of the groups and voters who originally sued over the 2013 law, said in a release.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down several parts of the law July 29, saying they were approved by Republican legislators in 2013 with intentional bias against black voters. Lawyers for McCrory and the state officials disagreed with the 4th Circuit ruling that there was "discriminatory intent" in passing the law and wanted a delay while they drafted an appeal.
The high court divided 4-4 on most of the challenged provisions, with the
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A divided U.S. Supreme Court refused Wednesday to reinstate North Carolina's voter identification requirement and keep just 10 days of early in-person voting.
The decision - a victory for voting rights groups and President Barack Obama's Justice Department - means voters won't have to show one of several qualifying photo IDs when casting ballots in the presidential battleground state. Early voting also reverts to 17 days, to begin Oct. 20.
The court rejected a request by Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and other state officials to delay a lower court ruling that found the state law was tainted by racial discrimination.
"Hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians will now be able to vote without barriers," Allison Riggs, an attorney representing some of the groups and voters who originally sued over the 2013 law, said in a release.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down several parts of the law July 29, saying they were approved by Republican legislators in 2013 with intentional bias against black voters. Lawyers for McCrory and the state officials disagreed with the 4th Circuit ruling that there was "discriminatory intent" in passing the law and wanted a delay while they drafted an appeal.
The high court divided 4-4 on most of the challenged provisions, with the
I'm proud that the NYT commenters can so deftly challenge the chop-logic of rhetoric which is the gibberish of the GOP in this absurd case, an in almost all cases where they have subverted democracy to their own ends. Now if only we had schools that taught students to understand how language can be manipulated and a free press that called out lies rather than print them and elected officials looked after the public good- we'd be getting somewhere.
4
I have nothing but disdain
for these scoundrels and
cowards who fear the masses.
But, the alarm has been raised.
And We Will Vote! Come what may.
for these scoundrels and
cowards who fear the masses.
But, the alarm has been raised.
And We Will Vote! Come what may.
7
Here's why you just don't get it:
Republicans who do this DO NOT CARE if they are cheating. They only care if they WIN, by whatever means necessary. It is known as being unscrupulous.
If a foreign government pulled a stunt like this and interfered in our elections, we'd go to war. These vote-cheating Republican rascals are traitors to the Constitution and are an ugly blemish on our democracy. GET THEM OUT OF OFFICE.
Republicans who do this DO NOT CARE if they are cheating. They only care if they WIN, by whatever means necessary. It is known as being unscrupulous.
If a foreign government pulled a stunt like this and interfered in our elections, we'd go to war. These vote-cheating Republican rascals are traitors to the Constitution and are an ugly blemish on our democracy. GET THEM OUT OF OFFICE.
12
At least they are quite up front about motives -- to favor Republican candidates.
9
Did you really expect anything different ??
13
North Carolina is the worst example of government choosing its people, rather than people choosing its government. Absolutely shameful and un-American as you can get.
25
The Republicans' argument that eliminating Sunday voting is necessary because people object to it on religious grounds is totally bogus.
24
I fail to see the legality of setting voting rules for reasons other than to encourage participation
The admissions that the rules were written for partisan advantage or to accommodate religious concerns of some citizens in any rational world should be unconstitutional interference with the right to vote and the constitutional legitimacy of those elected
The admissions that the rules were written for partisan advantage or to accommodate religious concerns of some citizens in any rational world should be unconstitutional interference with the right to vote and the constitutional legitimacy of those elected
3
.....and you expected any Republican argument to make sense.
2
And we wonder why minority people in this country don't vote for too many Republicans.
11
Once again Pat (McCory) has dragged the state of NC even deeper into the pigpen of the GOPTP sewer. He got elected by pretending he was a"moderate repubican" but very quickly turned into "Whine and sign" as one bill after another (incuding forbiding using the term climate change) was railraoded through the house of clowns in Raleigh. He would throw up his hands in helpless dismay. Finally he just stopped pretending and his truest colors are for all to see. Now we have been forced to spend millions of taxpayers to defend the indefensible regressive bills that have spewed out of Raleigh, losing everytime. And still his former employer, Duke Engery pollutes the environment and makes sweetheart deals with his administration.
16
The Supreme Court today refused to hear North Carolina's appeal and upheld the Circuit Court's decision, gutting the North Carolina New Racialist Jim Crow laws.
7
Dog bites man.
The Republicans of today, just like the segregationist southern Democrats of yore, are horrible people.
Of course, it is the same party, same people, things just switched thanks to the Voting Rights Act and the Dixiecrats jumping ship.
So why would anyone think today's Republicans would be any better than Segregationists? They are one and the same.
Of course, it is the same party, same people, things just switched thanks to the Voting Rights Act and the Dixiecrats jumping ship.
So why would anyone think today's Republicans would be any better than Segregationists? They are one and the same.
11
In Canada an independent Election Commission sets national standards and determines voting locations according to those standards. Elections are too important to allow local politicians and partisans to control voting. Surely an injunction could be obtained from the Supreme Court to stop this obvious / gerrymandering before the election.
15
"'Politics is a contact sport,' he added, 'and no one should be surprised that Republicans and Democrats alike try to stage elections on terms that favor their party.'"
Democracy is not a spectator sport, and voter suppression is immoral, anti-democratic, and anti-American.
But no one should be surprised that Republicans are soul-deep in such efforts. It's the only way an "election" can "favor their party."
Democracy is not a spectator sport, and voter suppression is immoral, anti-democratic, and anti-American.
But no one should be surprised that Republicans are soul-deep in such efforts. It's the only way an "election" can "favor their party."
9
Has anybody asked Roberts what he thinks now? He is an embarrassment to the Supreme Court
16
“Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?” Dallas Woodhouse, the executive director of North Carolina’s Republican Party, wrote this week, referring to the days when the statehouse was in Democratic hands. “We are just attempting to rebalance the scales.”
How convenient to NOW claim that Democrats did the same voter suppression once upon a time! These Republicans were once Democrats who upon President Johnson's sweeping Civil Rights legislation, jumped ship to the other party. It was just as Johnson had predicted. Jim Crow shenanigans are still in place.
How convenient to NOW claim that Democrats did the same voter suppression once upon a time! These Republicans were once Democrats who upon President Johnson's sweeping Civil Rights legislation, jumped ship to the other party. It was just as Johnson had predicted. Jim Crow shenanigans are still in place.
13
I agree that locally-controlled voting procedures go a long way to eliminating widespread voter fraud. However, there should be federal minimum standards broad enough so districts that opt for the bare minimum is not able to restrict voter turnout. Partisanship should never, ever enter into voting policies. Both parties game the system, but the GOP seems to think they cannot win without cheating, and they are probably right. Better to cheat than change, I suppose.
12
I believe it is a tell-tail sign of malfeasance when a voting district in the last election showed 108% votes cast for Obama.
Even a 5 year old can do the math and figure out that many people voted twice and in two districts.
Until the dems agree that voter id laws prevent fraud and do not oppose it with tooth and claw, the repubs have to balance the scales in the only ways left to them. Dems use their own form of cheating, with a wink and a nod to double voting where they control the precinct.
The red herring of ensuring that "black folk" only need to make ONE MARK on a ballot in order to vote the entire dem ticket is another divisive tactic.
The voter laws need to be changed to NEUTRAL for both parties, but that will never happen until we remove BOTH parties from the influence game.
A 10 year old could design a fairer system than what these two have designed, starting with the drawing of districts that TAKE COLOR INTO CONSIDERATION, this is not NEUTRAL, it is gerrymandering.
If you want a fair system, take it out of the hands of these two warring parties and start from square ONE with a new voting system for the entire country. Have a computer draw up all the districts and assign all the voting locations and assign all the days and design all the ballots with neutrality, not knowing who is white or black, rich or poor, or where they vote. Enact Sweeping voter id laws so there is NO double voting or fraud possible, and let people only vote in their assigned voting places.
Even a 5 year old can do the math and figure out that many people voted twice and in two districts.
Until the dems agree that voter id laws prevent fraud and do not oppose it with tooth and claw, the repubs have to balance the scales in the only ways left to them. Dems use their own form of cheating, with a wink and a nod to double voting where they control the precinct.
The red herring of ensuring that "black folk" only need to make ONE MARK on a ballot in order to vote the entire dem ticket is another divisive tactic.
The voter laws need to be changed to NEUTRAL for both parties, but that will never happen until we remove BOTH parties from the influence game.
A 10 year old could design a fairer system than what these two have designed, starting with the drawing of districts that TAKE COLOR INTO CONSIDERATION, this is not NEUTRAL, it is gerrymandering.
If you want a fair system, take it out of the hands of these two warring parties and start from square ONE with a new voting system for the entire country. Have a computer draw up all the districts and assign all the voting locations and assign all the days and design all the ballots with neutrality, not knowing who is white or black, rich or poor, or where they vote. Enact Sweeping voter id laws so there is NO double voting or fraud possible, and let people only vote in their assigned voting places.
5
Michael, Republicans should realize that this is 2016 and definitely not 1964 when the Black voters still had to pay poll tax to vote.
in this day and age, after every ruling comes out by the Federal Appeals Court against the discriminatory practices of any of the Republican legislatures in the country, they just come out with another practice of suppressing the Black voter turnout.
In this case of North Carolina's sweeping 2013 election law which had been trashed out by the above mentioned court saying it had been deliberately intended to discourage Black voters, these Racist Republican lawmakers sitting in the North Carolina house of legislatures, 'staged an end run around the same court ruling to allow only 106.5 hours of early voting before Nov. 8 election-less than a quarter of the time allowed in 2012 presidential election' as said by you.
These election plans limit voting to a single weekend day just because the number of Black voters are 4 out of 10 total voters.
These Republican controlled legislatures also made it so hard to vote for the Black voters to make long trips to cast a ballot on weekdays knowing very well that most of those Black voters do not own cars.
Now if this is not suppression of Black voter turnout, then what it is ?
The Supreme Court justices must demand from the North Carolina Republicans why they made party-line changes to the rules governing early voting periods and also banned Sunday hours for early voting sites on college campuses ?
in this day and age, after every ruling comes out by the Federal Appeals Court against the discriminatory practices of any of the Republican legislatures in the country, they just come out with another practice of suppressing the Black voter turnout.
In this case of North Carolina's sweeping 2013 election law which had been trashed out by the above mentioned court saying it had been deliberately intended to discourage Black voters, these Racist Republican lawmakers sitting in the North Carolina house of legislatures, 'staged an end run around the same court ruling to allow only 106.5 hours of early voting before Nov. 8 election-less than a quarter of the time allowed in 2012 presidential election' as said by you.
These election plans limit voting to a single weekend day just because the number of Black voters are 4 out of 10 total voters.
These Republican controlled legislatures also made it so hard to vote for the Black voters to make long trips to cast a ballot on weekdays knowing very well that most of those Black voters do not own cars.
Now if this is not suppression of Black voter turnout, then what it is ?
The Supreme Court justices must demand from the North Carolina Republicans why they made party-line changes to the rules governing early voting periods and also banned Sunday hours for early voting sites on college campuses ?
17
Vote by mail. Oregon does it. Washington State now on board. They take my 1040 and check when I mail it in. Easy and cheap.Vote by mail, folks.
19
Par for the course. North Carolina is really inflicting some heavy damage under Republican rule. First, they passed the 'Bathroom Bill' which was a solution looking for a problem and they are paying an economic price for it.
Now, they can't leave well enough alone after the Circuit Court called them out for being racists. They still want to revamp of the voting laws in order to discriminate.
Their motto used to be 'First in Freedom' until they changed it to 'First in Flight'. I can only wonder what the next motto will be - perhaps, 'First in Discrimination'.
Now, they can't leave well enough alone after the Circuit Court called them out for being racists. They still want to revamp of the voting laws in order to discriminate.
Their motto used to be 'First in Freedom' until they changed it to 'First in Flight'. I can only wonder what the next motto will be - perhaps, 'First in Discrimination'.
15
No one is disenfranchised, it's 2016, everyone should have a drivers license or personal ID card, what is it 1922 in North Carolina?
All these people want to do is complain about disenfranchisement, the polls are open, everybody has to get there no matter what color they are nobody gets any special treatment get with the program!
Oh, there's also this thing, they might've heard about it, it's called an absentee ballot I'm sure everyone can afford a stamp.....
All these people want to do is complain about disenfranchisement, the polls are open, everybody has to get there no matter what color they are nobody gets any special treatment get with the program!
Oh, there's also this thing, they might've heard about it, it's called an absentee ballot I'm sure everyone can afford a stamp.....
The Supreme didn't get your Amicus either, I suppose. And yes in some places in NC, the GOPTP is doing its very best to making it pre-Voting Rights
8
@crossing
Just for the record. North Carolina and several other southern states have a L-O-N-G history of racial discrimination.
This is not a matter of people having nothing better to do than complain.
A quick primer on the early Civil Rights Movement would probably be to your advantage.
Another thing.
It's quite possible that not everybody has a car, or the available funds for the type of personal ID required.
Time to think outside of the box.
Just for the record. North Carolina and several other southern states have a L-O-N-G history of racial discrimination.
This is not a matter of people having nothing better to do than complain.
A quick primer on the early Civil Rights Movement would probably be to your advantage.
Another thing.
It's quite possible that not everybody has a car, or the available funds for the type of personal ID required.
Time to think outside of the box.
14
So why pass these laws?
2
The only way Republicans can win elections these days is through suppressing the vote, gerrymandering and otherwise cheating. They should really be ashamed of themselves.
17
We need a Federal Law automatically registering citizens on their 18th birthday, make voting compulsory, and make election day a national holiday.
All elections should be publicly funded, and we MUST outlaw private donations.
The American People are sick of big money owning our politicians.
All elections should be publicly funded, and we MUST outlaw private donations.
The American People are sick of big money owning our politicians.
22
I'd be willing to help to pass an Amendment that any state caught trying to suppress voting rights should lose all Federal rights, funds, and disaster relief for a period of 100 years. All minorities would be able to vote in all elections, federal or state at any federal office.Whites would not.
1
I'm not positive that John Mead of Pennslylvania is correct when he writes, "voting is THE absolute constitutional right." Contrary to the views of this fine gentleman, and as anomolous as it appears, voting is not a constitutional right. Check out this fine piece, by Alex Keyssar: http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2005/03/24/the-electoral-college-flunks/.
For better or worse, under our constitutional scheme the votes for President and Vice President are cast, not by the People, but by the Electoral College. And there is no constitutional right to vote even for Electors: until 1824, some states selected their Electors on some other basis than a popular vote. Indeed, though it would unquestionably result in riots, there would be nothing unconsitutional in having, say, the Secretary of Agriculture of a particular State slect each and every Elector for that State.
For better or worse, under our constitutional scheme the votes for President and Vice President are cast, not by the People, but by the Electoral College. And there is no constitutional right to vote even for Electors: until 1824, some states selected their Electors on some other basis than a popular vote. Indeed, though it would unquestionably result in riots, there would be nothing unconsitutional in having, say, the Secretary of Agriculture of a particular State slect each and every Elector for that State.
Ah, it is the courts who "okay" these disaster laws. One can only hope that the Dems will win this year's election and get some centrist or left leaning Supremes. This seems to be the only way to stop the repulsives from discouraging back voters. Get out and vote!
5
How about a law that removes 100 white votes for every 'other' person whose voted is suppressed? I'd have no problem with the them suppressing every 'other' vote in the state, cause every other voter (registered by the Federal government) would be the only votes counted.
Hello? Justice Department? FBI? Congress?
I'm calling to report the race-based infringement of Constitutional Rights to VOTE in North Carolina... strike that... not just North Carolina... all across the USA.
I know you're busy investigating Ms/Former FLOTUS/Senator/Secretary of State/POTUS candidate Clinton, but when you have a chance, please look into an actual CRIME against the people of the United States.
I'm calling to report the race-based infringement of Constitutional Rights to VOTE in North Carolina... strike that... not just North Carolina... all across the USA.
I know you're busy investigating Ms/Former FLOTUS/Senator/Secretary of State/POTUS candidate Clinton, but when you have a chance, please look into an actual CRIME against the people of the United States.
19
If you think about most revolutions have as their core an inability to choose or effect the people who govern those same people. keep it up Republicans and you might be surprised at what happens.
5
We need a Constitutional Amendment that guarantees the right to vote.
4
Just now, the Supreme Court refusal to hear McCory's (our governor) last ditch attempt to disenfrancise selected voters in NC means that once again the House of Clowns in Raleigh has been swatted down, wasting even more taxpayers money. You may not have heard the interview from several months back, played in the orginal court case, where an offical in the Buncombe county GOP flat out and with the mic on, catagorically stated that the law was designed to block the black vote. The judge did hear it in court and used that (and a mountain of other data) to help describe the "surgical precision" the state GOPTP was using to block voting.
10
Both black and white voter registration and voter turnout is much higher in North Carolina than in New York, which ranks 44th among states. Instead of chastising North Carolina—which at least provides early voting days while New York provides none—the New York Times should be editorializing for uniform voting rules and regulations in all states.
2
@case
When ANY state takes it upon itself to obstruct an American's basic right to vote, it should be loudly and publicly chastised.
Period.
When ANY state takes it upon itself to obstruct an American's basic right to vote, it should be loudly and publicly chastised.
Period.
8
Well William, it was the judge that chastized NC. So please, enough with the half facts. The GOPTP in NC has moved to make registration more difficult, in fewer places and far more hurdles. When there are the hurdles put in front of actually voting. Only in the poorer, and minority neighborhoods not the fashionable suburbs. There is no reason on this little green earth that a person shouldn't be able to register and vote THAT day. Seriously. So loose the tired wingnut meme. I live in NC and I know.
9
These actions should disgust all Americans of all political persuasions. We should be making voting easier not harder. What this says is conservatives are essentially admitting they are a minority party and can only win by limiting the vote. If this was happening in a third world country the US would denounce these actions and probably the loudest cries would come from conservatives.
15
"no one should be surprised that Republicans and Democrats alike try to stage elections"
"“Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters ...?"
First, that's hogwash. Democrats work to make voting easier for everyone, they don't try to make it harder for Republicans. The Repubs resent this because just making sure more people vote is to the Dems' advantage.
But even if you cede this false-equivalence "everyone does it" point to the Republican vote suppressors, it simply makes a stronger argument that redistricting and election management must be taken away from the parties and given to non-partisan citizen commissions.
We should have national standards that guarantee everyone's right to vote EASILY without interference-- most probably by instituting all-mail voting, as a couple of states already successfully have done.
"“Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters ...?"
First, that's hogwash. Democrats work to make voting easier for everyone, they don't try to make it harder for Republicans. The Repubs resent this because just making sure more people vote is to the Dems' advantage.
But even if you cede this false-equivalence "everyone does it" point to the Republican vote suppressors, it simply makes a stronger argument that redistricting and election management must be taken away from the parties and given to non-partisan citizen commissions.
We should have national standards that guarantee everyone's right to vote EASILY without interference-- most probably by instituting all-mail voting, as a couple of states already successfully have done.
13
One can see from this article that within African-American and other traditionally disenfranchised communities, political power in the form the right to vote cannot be taken for granted. I suspect that's a very big reason why the Bernie-or-Bust phenomenon is rare among African-American voters. The vote is a precious safeguard against the very real specter of political oppression. It's something far too precious to use on simply making a statement. Bernie-or-Busters say, "I just can't bring myself to vote for Hillary." Could they afford that attitude if they were black and what is at stake is a potential backslide toward Jim Crow?
15
@bumpkin
Just for the record. The "Bernie-or-Bust phenomenon" didn't catch on with most African- Americans because Bernie Sanders didn't catch on with most African- Americans.
It's that simple.
Just for the record. The "Bernie-or-Bust phenomenon" didn't catch on with most African- Americans because Bernie Sanders didn't catch on with most African- Americans.
It's that simple.
5
@N. Smith
Since African-Americans tended to be the decisive vote in Democratic Party politics, there are few scenarios to actually test out your theory versus mine. However, I don't remember much in the way of Jesse Jackson-or-bust in 1984 or 1988. I don't remember much talk of threatening to not vote Democratic Party if Clinton beat Obama in 2008, either.
Since African-Americans tended to be the decisive vote in Democratic Party politics, there are few scenarios to actually test out your theory versus mine. However, I don't remember much in the way of Jesse Jackson-or-bust in 1984 or 1988. I don't remember much talk of threatening to not vote Democratic Party if Clinton beat Obama in 2008, either.
Prosecution and jail time is the only language these people understand. Like bankers, no jail = no crime.
6
We need a national federal holiday on election day to ensure people have the opportunity to vote without having to take time off work.
But we also need at least three weeks of early voting prior to election day to enable people with other concerns to find a convenient time to vote - caregivers, people with small children, those with erratic work schedules, people with disabilities or medical problems, etc. Anyone for whom it's a stretch to schedule a possibly time-intensive activity on one particular day a year. End that concept and make early voting for at least 3 weeks an option anywhere.
I also support allowing people to cast ballots for 2 months prior to the election for the reasons I stated above.
It's miserable that the far-right views voter suppression as one of the few ways they can cling to power. They are no longer invested in democracy. They're deeply invested in racism. That being the case, we must make concerted efforts to work around them whenever possible and demand that the courts intervene when, as here, they are breaking the law to suppress voting.
The Justice Department needs to step in and the state of North Carolina must face punitive consequences for this disgusting behavior. I'm sorry people can't be put in jail for enacting laws and rules to prevent voting. Maybe that's an idea????
But we also need at least three weeks of early voting prior to election day to enable people with other concerns to find a convenient time to vote - caregivers, people with small children, those with erratic work schedules, people with disabilities or medical problems, etc. Anyone for whom it's a stretch to schedule a possibly time-intensive activity on one particular day a year. End that concept and make early voting for at least 3 weeks an option anywhere.
I also support allowing people to cast ballots for 2 months prior to the election for the reasons I stated above.
It's miserable that the far-right views voter suppression as one of the few ways they can cling to power. They are no longer invested in democracy. They're deeply invested in racism. That being the case, we must make concerted efforts to work around them whenever possible and demand that the courts intervene when, as here, they are breaking the law to suppress voting.
The Justice Department needs to step in and the state of North Carolina must face punitive consequences for this disgusting behavior. I'm sorry people can't be put in jail for enacting laws and rules to prevent voting. Maybe that's an idea????
12
It used to be.
Then some states like Massachusetts made a law that forces every employer to give each employee 1/2 hour off paid (not lunch break or morning and afternoon breaks, a separate break) to go vote. Worked when most people worked near home. Now not so much. If you work in the city and live in a suburb (or vice versa) 1/2 an hour doesn't do diddly. Especially with rush hour around Boston running from 5am-9pm 5 days a week.
Then some states like Massachusetts made a law that forces every employer to give each employee 1/2 hour off paid (not lunch break or morning and afternoon breaks, a separate break) to go vote. Worked when most people worked near home. Now not so much. If you work in the city and live in a suburb (or vice versa) 1/2 an hour doesn't do diddly. Especially with rush hour around Boston running from 5am-9pm 5 days a week.
Voting itself should never be a contact sport where the one in charge can rig the voter outcome. It begins to resemble a dictatorship where only the one who stole the election has a say in who will govern.
Why do Republicans fear this process despite their rhetoric claim to support democracy? Democracy and the freedom to vote easily without conflict must be open to every qualified voter or we can not claim to have Democracy at all.
This is not a partisan game, but an underlying bedrock of our society.
Why do Republicans fear this process despite their rhetoric claim to support democracy? Democracy and the freedom to vote easily without conflict must be open to every qualified voter or we can not claim to have Democracy at all.
This is not a partisan game, but an underlying bedrock of our society.
12
Answer is easy they know deep down they are inferior to all 'others'. Scares them to death. Others = all minorities.
1
The credo of the GOP. If you cant win them over with ideas, vision and leadership, then make sure they cant vote for anyone.
18
Of course NC is curbing the black vote! That state has a long history of racism. They have enacted numerous laws that discriminate against those who are not white heterosexual Christians. And, generally, they seem to support the knuckleheads who like to stick the confederate flag in peoples' faces. They seem to think that tolerance will somehow cause them to lose something! I would love to move to NC; it's a beautiful place, but I will not spend the rest of my life waking up, every morning, in a white supremacist state. If the voters want to change their future prospects, they would be wise to wake up and get with the 21st century. Otherwise they will continue pay, big time, as long as minds don't change.
10
Question. What makes you think (Black) voters aren't awake, aware, or want to "get with the 21st century"??? --- You read the article and saw the pictures, right???
Even if well-intended, this kind of supposition comes off as a bit patronizing.
Even if well-intended, this kind of supposition comes off as a bit patronizing.
In some respects, NC is a microcosm of what has been done nationally- largely through unregulated Corporate right-wing media. When hillbilly legislators view their own states as Koch-fueled Frankensteinian laboratories, North Carolina, Kansas, et al are the resulting monsters.
To many privileged white men, *everything* is a zero-sum game, someone has to win and someone has to lose, and objective reality and truth are denied in favor of dueling soundbites and false equivalencies.
Thanks to decades-long exposure to such media chicanery, the public have become used to simply being lied to. In the face of this, Many people retain their ethics and desire to hear the truth. These people are not your typical Republican voter, obviously.
Which brings us to a bankrupt, bigoted "businessman" playing Mussolini, Jr. on a gadget near you, in an endless loop.
To many privileged white men, *everything* is a zero-sum game, someone has to win and someone has to lose, and objective reality and truth are denied in favor of dueling soundbites and false equivalencies.
Thanks to decades-long exposure to such media chicanery, the public have become used to simply being lied to. In the face of this, Many people retain their ethics and desire to hear the truth. These people are not your typical Republican voter, obviously.
Which brings us to a bankrupt, bigoted "businessman" playing Mussolini, Jr. on a gadget near you, in an endless loop.
12
I got one word for Democrats in North Carolina: Organize. Get the buses and vans and carpools going to get people to the polls. Get everyone the help they need to get their voter ID cards with pics, if needed. If you want it, you better work for it. I hope you will.
9
As in the days of the Civil Rights movement those in the rest of the country should help. Get the buses from other states, get private cars, ambulances, any vehicle that can carry people. Open kitchens to feed these out of staters who will need food and places to stay. Put one local on each bus so they don't get lose. I guarantee street signs will start disappearing as the busses start rolling in. (Those naughty teenage boys, right? The ones will gray hair and belts around their chests)
And remember, the presidential election of 2000 was pretty clearly stolen by disenfranchising thousands of black voters in Florida. A lot of other things had to happen--like Nader and the butterfly ballot--and the election had to be close enough for one state to swing the outcome, but the suppressed black vote in Florida made the difference. Look what that election got us; this one could be worse.
11
This one could be worse--understatement--Trump makes Bush seem saintly.
7
No Karen Trump looks like a raving maniac and potential el duce. Trump makes Bush look reasonable.
6
“Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?”
I have no doubt that those Democratic election boards took steps to make voting easier and more convenient for black voters, but I doubt seriously they took steps to make it more difficult or less convenient for Republican voters. There is no equivalence there.
I have no doubt that those Democratic election boards took steps to make voting easier and more convenient for black voters, but I doubt seriously they took steps to make it more difficult or less convenient for Republican voters. There is no equivalence there.
15
People, there are zero - ZERO - early voting days in New York. It doesn't even exist.
North Carolina offers 17 days of early voting. How is it racist for NC to offer 17 days of early voting, and it's not racist for NY to offer none? Please have some perspective. Gee whiz, as Andy Griffith would say.
NY doesn't even offer early voting!
North Carolina offers 17 days of early voting. How is it racist for NC to offer 17 days of early voting, and it's not racist for NY to offer none? Please have some perspective. Gee whiz, as Andy Griffith would say.
NY doesn't even offer early voting!
2
North Carolina offered 17 days of early voting in 2012. Not this year.
3
@newer
You're missing the point completely. It's NOT about early voting days.
It's about a southern state mired in a traditionally racist history, using legislation to obstruct the Black vote.
Did you even read the article???
Another thing.
We may not have early voting here in New York, but we've got just about everthing else!!!
You're missing the point completely. It's NOT about early voting days.
It's about a southern state mired in a traditionally racist history, using legislation to obstruct the Black vote.
Did you even read the article???
Another thing.
We may not have early voting here in New York, but we've got just about everthing else!!!
One election board leader was removed from their seat because she told people they shouldn't vote unless they had a good understanding of the Bible.
9
This is completely ridiculous! I live in a very rural area as well, and guess what? The elections office opens every day for at least 2 weeks prior to every election and you can always request an absentee ballot that they will mail to you! And as a black american I am outraged over the fact that the democrats keep implying that we are too stupid to even know how to vote, work, have a drs license or an ID!
3
The US Supreme Court just ruled 4-4 on the lawsuit which means the lower court ruling stands. The lower court used the term "surgical precision" in it's decision. NC Democrats want you to be able to vote easily and the federal lawsuit was aimed at Republicans who would probably prefer you not vote at all.
4
As the ruling was announced only two hours ago, the Times hasn't had a chance to put anything up on its site. Oh well, in 3 days they can run the second-day story.
None of these shenanigans would be possible without the Supreme Court's totally misguided decision that threw out the section of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that required Justice Department pre-clearance for rule changes affecting voting rights in states that have a history of suppressing those rights.
Justice Scalia's opinion was judicial jujitsu - it used the unanimous support of Congress for the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act as evidence that Congress acted without due consideration, despite having heard from numerous witnesses before passing the reauthorization. Section 2 of the 15th Amendment clearly gives Congress the power to pass such laws. You cannot find a more clear cut case of the Court substituting its own judgment for that of the legislature.
Justice Scalia's opinion was judicial jujitsu - it used the unanimous support of Congress for the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act as evidence that Congress acted without due consideration, despite having heard from numerous witnesses before passing the reauthorization. Section 2 of the 15th Amendment clearly gives Congress the power to pass such laws. You cannot find a more clear cut case of the Court substituting its own judgment for that of the legislature.
8
Voting discrimination is alive and well in North Carolina. The Federal government needs to act now, otherwise "voter fraud" by withholding those who wish to vote..donot will occur.
4
North Carolina, along with Virginia, were once seen by other southern states as models for how a 21st-century, moderate southern state could begin to thrive socially, culturally and economically.
And then the Republicans took over in the Old North State.
A state that once took pride in its public school system, higher education system, medical and technological research, etc., has, in the hands of the right-wing, fallen in the eyes of the nation and many of us in other southern states. It will not be long before North Carolinians will be saying, as so many other states in our region have said for so many years, "Thank God for Mississippi."
Voter suppression strikes at everything that makes America America. Access to the ballot is the fundamental stone upon which democracy is built. Intentionally curtail that access on a racial basis and you no longer have a democracy. It says something that Republicans consider something with such serious consequences to be nothing more than the manifestation of a "contact sport."
And then the Republicans took over in the Old North State.
A state that once took pride in its public school system, higher education system, medical and technological research, etc., has, in the hands of the right-wing, fallen in the eyes of the nation and many of us in other southern states. It will not be long before North Carolinians will be saying, as so many other states in our region have said for so many years, "Thank God for Mississippi."
Voter suppression strikes at everything that makes America America. Access to the ballot is the fundamental stone upon which democracy is built. Intentionally curtail that access on a racial basis and you no longer have a democracy. It says something that Republicans consider something with such serious consequences to be nothing more than the manifestation of a "contact sport."
17
It really does not seem like this is a race thing so much as a community thing.
"including those who are poor and do not own cars, make long trips to cast a ballot."
The Republicans appear to be targeting a class and area over a race. I am sure if the majority of black voters in the area were leaning Republican then they would encouraged to vote.
Why are we saying they are curbing the black vote? It looks like here that they are actually attempting to curb the Democrat vote.
This is just more race warfare that segregates us instead of asking us to look at a deeper issue.
"including those who are poor and do not own cars, make long trips to cast a ballot."
The Republicans appear to be targeting a class and area over a race. I am sure if the majority of black voters in the area were leaning Republican then they would encouraged to vote.
Why are we saying they are curbing the black vote? It looks like here that they are actually attempting to curb the Democrat vote.
This is just more race warfare that segregates us instead of asking us to look at a deeper issue.
2
Do some research. The state GOPTP specifically has targeted black voters, who just happen to vote democratic. Inconvienently, some of their leaders even mentioned that, out loud, while being recording.
6
That is interesting. Do you have a source I could look through? What I am trying to figure out is if this is because of their ideologies and not the color of their skin.
It just seems too simple to act like this is pure racism and not more of a power thing.
It just seems too simple to act like this is pure racism and not more of a power thing.
Color is a power thing. Bigots are so afraid of people of color, any color that is not white, they will do anything to keep them from being helpful, good citizens, then say, see they don't vote, they don't even register. If someone got a bus, or several, set up as mobile registration centers and drove around both day and evening 7 days a week I bet that would take care of the registration problem. They wouldn't have to go to white areas, they get registered just fine.
They hate poor people, the disabled and the elderly too, they may not be Black, but, to bigots they are just like being Black. Useless. They have to be to make the bigots feel good. Bigots must feel good. Superior. Better than. Worthy. Which all boils down to 'not different'. They live in fear.
The fact that 98% of whites who's families have been in the south since before the Civil War (you remember that slight unpleasantness awhile back?) are not lilies (pure white). To bigots even, to quote them, 'one drop of Black blood, you are Black and must be segregated. That means most of the south is 'passing' (definition, you look white but aren't). Which makes the bigots even more desperate.
They hate poor people, the disabled and the elderly too, they may not be Black, but, to bigots they are just like being Black. Useless. They have to be to make the bigots feel good. Bigots must feel good. Superior. Better than. Worthy. Which all boils down to 'not different'. They live in fear.
The fact that 98% of whites who's families have been in the south since before the Civil War (you remember that slight unpleasantness awhile back?) are not lilies (pure white). To bigots even, to quote them, 'one drop of Black blood, you are Black and must be segregated. That means most of the south is 'passing' (definition, you look white but aren't). Which makes the bigots even more desperate.
'Purely bogus', there is nothing pure about bogus. Impossible that this is happening? Here is what a friend from Jamaica, NY shared with me during the last Presidential Elections about voting. 'The Republicans are making it difficult for us to reach the Polls and we are organizing car pools, especially for the Elderly'. The Community rallied.
For those of you planning to vote in North Carolina, whether on The Republican or Democratic ticket, be prepared for any diversion and hold your heads high. For those with grown children, whether they are watching T.V. or working hard, remind them that their vote is going to impact, not only on America, but on their Future.
If you stand in 'the middle of the road', you may get run over, and be careful about placing your political preference in front of your house. A woman's dog was poisoned in Baltimore the other day. These are not scare stories, these are realities, vote the way that makes you feel best.
For those of you planning to vote in North Carolina, whether on The Republican or Democratic ticket, be prepared for any diversion and hold your heads high. For those with grown children, whether they are watching T.V. or working hard, remind them that their vote is going to impact, not only on America, but on their Future.
If you stand in 'the middle of the road', you may get run over, and be careful about placing your political preference in front of your house. A woman's dog was poisoned in Baltimore the other day. These are not scare stories, these are realities, vote the way that makes you feel best.
6
Take a neighbor or a few with you when you go vote. Doesn't matter who you will vote for. That you VOTE is paramount!
3
Does anyone here care that when the Republican led legislature instituted voter ID in 2014, the total percent of blacks casting votes actually went UP?
If the Republicans are trying to suppress the black vote, they're not doing a very good job of it.
If the Republicans are trying to suppress the black vote, they're not doing a very good job of it.
2
Do you have a source for this?
3
The Federal Courts disagree with your analysis in throwing out Republican rules. The term "surgical precision" was used in their ruling.
4
The Republicans are trying to supress the vote of those who tend to vote Democratic. This is largely minorities, but also the poor, women, and others. 2014 was a mid-term, if more African Americans voted, it was probably because the overall turnout was far lower.
1
North Carolina is running itself into the proverbial ground with voter suppression, gerrymandering, medieval laws and coal ash dumping by the Governor's former employer, Duke Power. Soon it will regain its stature as a bastion of lily white elites and bible thumping, hate-mongering good ole' boys. Fortunately, the NBA and other outside conveners in the national business community are starting to boycott the state as a site for their events.
8
“These are two very fine people that I’ve worked with on this board,” he said. “It’s just sad to say that I don’t know whatever is causing them to act this way.”
You might begin by questioning your assumption that these are two fine people. Although I'd never say this about my Republican neighbors and friends, or GOP rank and file generally, the RNC and other Republicans in positions of responsibility nationwide are mostly a despicable bunch. Between not standing up to denounce the immoral and irresponsible demagogue who is their presidential nominee, extreme gerrymandering and suppressing the black vote, the GOP deserve to be a minority party at every level of government for at least a generation.
You might begin by questioning your assumption that these are two fine people. Although I'd never say this about my Republican neighbors and friends, or GOP rank and file generally, the RNC and other Republicans in positions of responsibility nationwide are mostly a despicable bunch. Between not standing up to denounce the immoral and irresponsible demagogue who is their presidential nominee, extreme gerrymandering and suppressing the black vote, the GOP deserve to be a minority party at every level of government for at least a generation.
8
Is this what Trump means when he says this election is 'rigged'?
11
I can't really blame Republicans: when you can't win elections on merit, and can't produce decent candidates, then cheating is all you have left.
8
If thge GOP of today wants any legitimacy for the claim that it is the party of Lincoln, it should be modeling the right way to compete:
(1) maximizing the likelihood that every citizen eligible to vote is registered and casts a ballot, and
(2) competing vigorously to win the votes of citizens for its principles and policies.
(1) maximizing the likelihood that every citizen eligible to vote is registered and casts a ballot, and
(2) competing vigorously to win the votes of citizens for its principles and policies.
3
Any deliberate attempt to suppress anyone from voting is despicable and threatens one of the most fundamental rights bestowed upon American citizens. It cannot be tolerated.
I say that so that my basic position is absolutely clear. I do nevertheless have one concern which I believe needs to be objectively weighed. I support voter id laws.
I live in a 55+ community. People constantly move in, move out, or die. Some are snowbirds who are not be eligible to vote. About 10 years ago I went to vote at our local polling location. I instinctively took out my drivers license believing that I needed it to verify that this was indeed me voting. I was told much to my shock that I didn't need id. I remarked that neighbors who had moved away or had passed away were undoubtedly still on the voting rolls, and that I could easily be casting a fraudulent vote in their name. They still refused my id. I was really concerned about the ease of committing voter fraud.
This was long before voter id became a sensitive issue. Restricting the vote of minorities wasn't even remotely in my frame of reference. In fact, I know of a situation right now which would make it very easy for me to vote for someone no longer here; then show up, say later, and vote again.
It's too bad that a legitimate concern has become so politicized. There has to be a way of addressing these concerns and resolving them without racial accusations. Resolution of reasonable issues and racial equality are not mutually exclusive.
I say that so that my basic position is absolutely clear. I do nevertheless have one concern which I believe needs to be objectively weighed. I support voter id laws.
I live in a 55+ community. People constantly move in, move out, or die. Some are snowbirds who are not be eligible to vote. About 10 years ago I went to vote at our local polling location. I instinctively took out my drivers license believing that I needed it to verify that this was indeed me voting. I was told much to my shock that I didn't need id. I remarked that neighbors who had moved away or had passed away were undoubtedly still on the voting rolls, and that I could easily be casting a fraudulent vote in their name. They still refused my id. I was really concerned about the ease of committing voter fraud.
This was long before voter id became a sensitive issue. Restricting the vote of minorities wasn't even remotely in my frame of reference. In fact, I know of a situation right now which would make it very easy for me to vote for someone no longer here; then show up, say later, and vote again.
It's too bad that a legitimate concern has become so politicized. There has to be a way of addressing these concerns and resolving them without racial accusations. Resolution of reasonable issues and racial equality are not mutually exclusive.
4
Fewer than 10 fraudulent votes out of millions and millions cast in the elections of the last decade. Legitimate concern, maybe. A solution in search of a problem, with real, negative consequences, absolutely.
1
Oh please. Rolls are reviewed periodically. Love the story though. Remeber registering to vote?
1
You don't even have to go down the registrar's office to register. Showing ID is reasonable. There are some responsibilities with citizenship. People are just to darn lazy today. Get a state ID card if you don't have a drivers license. Democrats are lazy and won't play by rules. I don't care if Trump loses, he is the worst Presidential Candidate in memory but Clinton needs an opposition House and Senate to keep her in line.
The fight for voting rights remains as critical as ever. Republican politicians across our nation - and as the article discussed North Carolina - continue to engage in voter suppression, efforts that include additional obstacles to registration, cutbacks on early voting, and strict voter identification requirements.
In the 2016 presidential election, 17 states will have restrictive voting laws in place. Collectively, these 17 states are home to over 110 million people and will wield 189 of the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the presidency.
In the 2016 presidential election, 17 states will have restrictive voting laws in place. Collectively, these 17 states are home to over 110 million people and will wield 189 of the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the presidency.
4
As Bill Maher notes often on his HBO program, Republicans only win elections by cheating. Allowing people to vote is a basic thing. Only the GOP makes it hard, everywhere they are outnumbered.
3
North Carolina redistricting is controlled by Republicans. They seek an advantage over Democrats. They get that advantage whether they disenfranchise black Democrats or white Democrats. So there is no incentive to diminish more black votes than white votes. The point is to diminish Democratic votes whatever the voter's race may be..
1
No incentive? The fact that 90% of blacks vote for Democrats isn't an incentive.
Too bad the Olympics are over, you'd have scored a gold in the mental gymnastics event.
Too bad the Olympics are over, you'd have scored a gold in the mental gymnastics event.
4
It would seem the Supreme Court did not get your Amicus in time. Ask you self why anyone would want to vote for a group that characterizes them the way the GOPTP does, publically and privately - words and action
So how come when registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 2 to 1 then you have majority of board positions filled by Republicans. Looks like all elections should be considered important ones and not just Presidential.
7
There's an easy fix. Just stop being poor, black, Hispanic, gay, or female. The Republican party will then serve all of your needs and you won't have anything to complain about! Problem solved.
4
I think the real fix, in the Republicans mind, is to vote Republican. I do not think they want to eliminate a race or sex from voting. I think they want to eliminate an opponent.
I think these Republicans should be indicted under section 18 part 241. I call for prosecution and punishment.
3
"religious objections to Sunday voting"
I have long suspected that the GOP is less a political party than a religious cult. Which version of Jesus is alleged to have said you can't vote on Sunday? Which portion of the Constitution gives these so-called religious considerations precedence over a democratic election?
I have long suspected that the GOP is less a political party than a religious cult. Which version of Jesus is alleged to have said you can't vote on Sunday? Which portion of the Constitution gives these so-called religious considerations precedence over a democratic election?
14
Exactly. Who's religious objections are they talking about? Certainly not most of the affected voters themselves, as it seems Sunday voting is very popular amongst a large number of them already. These "representatives" have quite the gall to say something like that with a straight face.
1
I'm proud to say that a group of members of my (Jewish) temple in the western suburbs of Boston recently went down to North Carolina to help register voters.
To me, this is God's work.
To me, this is God's work.
17
"balance the scales?" Right. With one party wishing to bring out the vote, and the other wishing to suppress it. Shameless conduct. Suit to follow.
5
North Carolina's moves to blunt the black vote would be something Donald Trump would attack, given his public-media appeal to African American voters. That he remains silent is reveals his support for voter suppression.
2
How do you spell voter suppression? N-O-R-T-H C-A-R-O-L-I-N-A
They don't seem to quit but their days are numbered.
They don't seem to quit but their days are numbered.
5
In 2012, North Carolina (65.2 percent) ranked 11th in voter turnout while New York (53.6 percent) ranked 44th. Black voter turnout in 2012 was highest that year in Wisconsin, Mississippi, and North Carolina. In 2012, blacks voted nationwide at a higher rate (66.2 percent) than non-Hispanic whites (64.1 percent). In 2012, North Carolina’s black voters turned out at a higher rate (70.2 percent) than North Carolina whites (68 percent). North Carolina is one of 32 states that offer early voting. New York is one of 18 states that don’t offer early voting.
2
“Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?” Dallas Woodhouse, the executive director of North Carolina’s Republican Party, wrote this week, referring to the days when the statehouse was in Democratic hands. “We are just attempting to rebalance the scales.”
***
well... except for one thing... early voting expansion and convenient sites did not HAMPER anyone's ability to vote. Constricting those things... does. He should be ashamed.
***
well... except for one thing... early voting expansion and convenient sites did not HAMPER anyone's ability to vote. Constricting those things... does. He should be ashamed.
15
Dallas in the wildman badboy chief operative for the GOPTP in NC. He is constantly in the paper for sending inappropriate emails to republicans encouraging them to do quaisi to outright illegal manuervers to stop minorities and democrats of all shades from voting.
1
The statement that Republicans in North Carolina can use every available legal tactic to win an election shows their ignorance of the concept of "One Man, One Vote." The only consideration for voting is to make it as easy as possible for all eligible citizens to vote. Period. Then count the votes and let the best candidates win.
15
Of course Republicans are suppressing the minority vote. They are unethical. They are what happens after 45 years of 'the Southern Strategy" designed by Nixon and Kissenger. In other words, Republicans have been promoting and engineering racism in their ranks for decades. They have been engineering things so that Radical Evangelicals and Racists are almost synonymous.
13
That Robin C. Hayes thinks politics is a game means he is unfit for political leadership. And why is he so ashamed of being a Republican? If he could stand behind GOP platform, then he'd be eager for voters to be able to make a choice on it. That he is insistent on making it harder for citizens of his state to do their patriotic duty indicates that he is not proud of what his party stands for. Though to be fair, he's really just showing that he's also bad at being an American, so there's that.
9
We need national criteria for all aspects of voting rules and procedures, and a method of assuring timely compliance. It's appalling that our nation, so rooted in universal suffrage and the conduct of clean elections, remains unclear and inconsistent in their implementation. Establishing clear and fair rules for the setting of voting districts, registration of voters, and the conduct of elections, should be among the new president's highest priorities. The integrity of our entire political process rests on achieving solid, nonpartisan, stable rules and processes.
8
With Republicans in control of the executive and legislative branches in NC, this reminds one of Little Rock and Alabama in the 50's and 60's. Not much difference in standing in the doorway to block black students from attending white schools, and stopping black voters from casting a ballot.
The only thing that seemed to work then and now, is send the US Army and Federal Marshalls in to enforce the right to vote. Republican governor and legislators will never be reasonable, and elections are perishable.
The only thing that seemed to work then and now, is send the US Army and Federal Marshalls in to enforce the right to vote. Republican governor and legislators will never be reasonable, and elections are perishable.
8
The way to resolve this is to compare voting rules in majority Republican and Democratic counties according to number of polling places per capita, number of days of early voting, and average travel distances to polling places. If a discrepancy is found that favors Republicans, as this article suggests, then there's your evidence for systematic suppression of voting rights. Take the state back to court to fight for equal rights.
Failing that, may systematic voter suppression blow up in the faces of the oppressors by inspiring oppressed voters to vote no matter what obstacles are placed before them. African Americans have a beautiful history of fighting peacefully for their rights in an organized way.
Failing that, may systematic voter suppression blow up in the faces of the oppressors by inspiring oppressed voters to vote no matter what obstacles are placed before them. African Americans have a beautiful history of fighting peacefully for their rights in an organized way.
5
II could have sworn I read in History class that the Civil War was over and the North won!
8
I think it much preferable to say that the union won, establishing that the states of America would remain united, eliminating secession and selective enforcement of the nation's laws at local levels.
3
Right. The North won.
"Citing religious objections to Sunday voting"
Separation of church and state???
Separation of church and state???
11
Separation of Church and State is when you are not allowed to register to vote because you don't know chapter and verse of the Bible --- as is sometimes the case in North Carolina.
1
This article is a great argument for the merits of having an independent and non-affiliated organization at a state and federal level to run elections. Voters would be much better served by this type of system and another method of manipulating the outcome of elections would be removed from the eager hands of both major parties. (Republicans seem to be the much guiltier party at this point in time, but that could change as the parties evolve or splinter).
Search "Elections Canada" if you are curious as to how such a system could work.
Search "Elections Canada" if you are curious as to how such a system could work.
7
The blame for this situation lays solely at the feet of the U.S. Supreme Court, which decided, in its infinite wisdom, that because racism no longer exists, there is no need for Confederate states to get Federal approval for changes to their voting procedures. The South couldn't win the Civil War on the battle field, so they are trying to win the policy war with outright voting fraud.
17
Employers, if you love your country, give your employees time off on Tuesday, November 8, to go vote.
13
Typical reverse psychology here! Mr Trump and GOP are accusing Dems for possible rigging of presidential elections. In the background they are fighting all voter ID laws to prevent people from voting. I mean how cynical is this? They put Dems on defense and then doing what they call rigging. Cannot we see the difference and make out whats happening overall?
9
Bring out the BUSES...organise a fun trip to the voting locations....there are many voters in rural areas that are not able to drive, or area transportation is limited or non existant. Let's use the Republican voting restrictions as a positive thing to motivate the Democratic vote and bring out the BUSES on voting days.
6
The problem isn't transportation. You can't vote if you aren't registered. You can't register with an ID. You can't get an ID without a birth certificate. That costs $25 and takes a couple of weeks. Now none of those things are insurmountable for most people, but if you are elderly or disabled, living far from a town, without transportation, and can't afford the $25, it's a big barrier to voting.
1
"Politics is a contact sport..."
It's not really supposed to be a sport, dude.
It's not really supposed to be a sport, dude.
13
To Canadians it is extraordinary that each County (100) controls the voting process and that a Party can make rules which essentially creates a political football of what should be an unimpeded right to vote. While this will never happen in the US, Elections Canada is a non partisan body whose main function it is to determine the size and geography of each "riding" (districts) based on population and then makes uniform voting rules applicable across the country. Don't Americans think it shocking that both parties "try to stage elections on terms that favor their party"?
14
Yes Jeff, we find it shocking and discouraging.
4
I work for a company with US headquarters near Asheville, NC, I visit there about 6 times per year for my work, usually for 3-4 days at a time, and have come to appreciate what that area has to offer. The culture of the area is appealing to us, with a lot of music, a relatively educated, progressive populace and more. So I am considering it as an option for my not too distant retirement.
However, the politics and direction of North Carolina worry me, and this voter suppression is a very bad sign. I think that the model and image that North Carolina fostered a decade or so ago, of a progressive place that is no longer tied to the values of the old confederacy, is the one it wants to foster. For one thing, it is just good for business in this day and age of international corporations (like the one I work for).
Also,these days progressive people tend to be educated people who have more money to spend on local businesses compared to those with less education. But why would we want to live and spend in a place that purposely suppresses minority votes, instead of trying to win elections based on their political positions? Since when are Republicans anti-business?
However, the politics and direction of North Carolina worry me, and this voter suppression is a very bad sign. I think that the model and image that North Carolina fostered a decade or so ago, of a progressive place that is no longer tied to the values of the old confederacy, is the one it wants to foster. For one thing, it is just good for business in this day and age of international corporations (like the one I work for).
Also,these days progressive people tend to be educated people who have more money to spend on local businesses compared to those with less education. But why would we want to live and spend in a place that purposely suppresses minority votes, instead of trying to win elections based on their political positions? Since when are Republicans anti-business?
10
To the decent people of North Carolina, and to the Christians of North Carolina: are you really going to be silent and not stand up against this kind of blatant suppression of a basic tenet of democracy (voting)? I want the political leaders and courts in NC to know that other patriotic American citizens thru out our great country, other American citizens who passionately love God, are watching your behavior and character. I find both lacking in integrity in this situation, for some individuals. And yet, some people hypocritically chant "Crooky Hilary" and "rigged" elections. The NC election boards' behavior is unapologetic, in-your-face crookedness.
13
Okay, Dems in NC (and in every state) should go to their local headquarters and organize car pool and volunteer drivers on election days. Get in touch with churches, senior citizens' homes, college campuses -- anywhere where numbers of people are likely to have trouble getting to voting sites -- and help voters get to the polls.
Volunteer your driving services. Borrow and rent vans and buses. Help your fellow citizens to vote, regardless of their party affiliation. Do something to keep our common democracy alive!
Volunteer your driving services. Borrow and rent vans and buses. Help your fellow citizens to vote, regardless of their party affiliation. Do something to keep our common democracy alive!
11
That is exactly what is being done here, of course. Year after year. The official campaigns are begging volunteers to come into the swing states. Many of us here are putting those volunteers up in our homes. Please check to see where you can volunteer to "do something to keep our common democracy alive." I think many Americans do not realize, btw, that we live in a republic and not literally a democracy. Which is why we have such problems.
3
If you're not guilty, why go out of your way to make excuses? And then to admit that you're trying to influence the outcome of the election... Yes, Democrats are just as guilty of gerrymandering, but only Republicans are trying to keep people of color from voting.
5
"...a single polling place in the county seat of a largely rural eastern North Carolina county that sprawls over 403 square miles."
That is a district that is 20 miles by 20 miles, therefore, the average distance would be 10 miles from the polling place to a maximum of 270 miles.
Hardly making if impossible to cast a vote a week early. otherwise, wait for election day and go to your nearby polling place.
The author shows their own prejudice and it is disgusting.
That is a district that is 20 miles by 20 miles, therefore, the average distance would be 10 miles from the polling place to a maximum of 270 miles.
Hardly making if impossible to cast a vote a week early. otherwise, wait for election day and go to your nearby polling place.
The author shows their own prejudice and it is disgusting.
I know that you meant 27 miles, not 270. However, the distance a voter must travel to cast a ballot is only one of several measures of (in)convenience, and the facts seem to confirm that additional barriers are being created. And for some voters, at least, the need to travel just 10 miles, let alone 27, to vote is a very significant barrier.
2
Until voter suppression is a crime punishable with jail time the republicans will cheat till the heart's content. They can't win any other way. They are morally and financially corrupt.
8
Of course they are. My in laws, when they were healthier, used to spend April on the north coast of South Carolina. They asked my husband to spend a week with them in SC while they were there. After doing it 2 years in a row, as beautiful as the state of SC is, I was deeply disturbed by the treatment of African Americans there and the rift that seems to exist between whites and African Americans there. It was embarrassing to be even a temporary white person there. My son and I told my husband we just could not do it again. I was ashamed to be white in SC.
6
There's a not so subtle distinction between creating rules so more eligible voters can vote and creating rules to try to prevent eligible voters from voting. I'm not surprised the GOP doesn't see it.
3
Our democracy is broken. We can't get a vote on a duly nominated Supreme Court justice. We can't pass legislation without 60 senators agreeing to it. We can't amend our Constitution without 3/4 of the legislature and states approving it. And we suppress votes by holding elections on a workday (not weekend or holiday), restricting polling places, and starving our elections budgets.
I'm just about over it.
I'm just about over it.
4
The GOP is outnumbered in terms of registered voters. They have an oppressive, regressive political platform that appeals to only a narrow swath of the country. They have been working at the grassroots level for years, coopting state legislatures, pouring dark money into local races. Citizens United made it even easier for them to continue pumping huge amounts of corporate money into anti-social candidates and policies.
They can't win with their ideas, which are patently terrible for most people in the country, so they have to resort to cheating in order to prevent opponents from voting.
They use the kinds of tactics corporate lawyers use to help their bosses avoid paying taxes: look around for ways to cheat that aren't illegal yet, and then engage in those activities. Laws can't keep up with people who are determined to cheat at all costs. Look at Apple and it's collusion with Congress, which has allowed it and other multinationals to park their profits overseas indefinitely, in a huge tax evasion move. Now Congress and Apple fume because the EU has seen through this tax-evasion scheme and has had the guts to stand up to them! They're mad because they know they're cheating and don't like being called out for it.
Republicans all across the country are engaged in the same sort of devious trickery, and puff up their chests in indignation when caught. "It's not illegal" are the words they hide behind. But just because it's not illegal yet doesn't mean it's ethical or right.
They can't win with their ideas, which are patently terrible for most people in the country, so they have to resort to cheating in order to prevent opponents from voting.
They use the kinds of tactics corporate lawyers use to help their bosses avoid paying taxes: look around for ways to cheat that aren't illegal yet, and then engage in those activities. Laws can't keep up with people who are determined to cheat at all costs. Look at Apple and it's collusion with Congress, which has allowed it and other multinationals to park their profits overseas indefinitely, in a huge tax evasion move. Now Congress and Apple fume because the EU has seen through this tax-evasion scheme and has had the guts to stand up to them! They're mad because they know they're cheating and don't like being called out for it.
Republicans all across the country are engaged in the same sort of devious trickery, and puff up their chests in indignation when caught. "It's not illegal" are the words they hide behind. But just because it's not illegal yet doesn't mean it's ethical or right.
6
Writing the rules to maximize your party's advantage is one thing, although that too would seem an afront to the notion that voting is the foundational right in a democracy. It's entirely another thing, however, to purposely structure the rules in order to limit voting based on race, religion, gender, or ethnicity. Here's what the NYT reported last month regarding the appellate court's overturning of North Carolina's latest voting laws:
"The judges noted that Republican leaders had drafted their restrictions on voting only after receiving data indicating that African-Americans would be the voters most significantly affected by them.
“We cannot ignore the record evidence that, because of race, the legislature enacted one of the largest restrictions of the franchise in modern North Carolina history."
It's 2016 and the dirty tricks designed to scew voting are still going on. Jim Crowe appears still to be alive and well (and no less blatantly racist) in the "new" South.
"The judges noted that Republican leaders had drafted their restrictions on voting only after receiving data indicating that African-Americans would be the voters most significantly affected by them.
“We cannot ignore the record evidence that, because of race, the legislature enacted one of the largest restrictions of the franchise in modern North Carolina history."
It's 2016 and the dirty tricks designed to scew voting are still going on. Jim Crowe appears still to be alive and well (and no less blatantly racist) in the "new" South.
5
For most of my adult life, in this country we had something called Election Day - the second Tuesday in November - and if for some reason you were not able to vote on Election Day, you could request an absentee ballot. You had to be registered in order to be able to vote. Now it seems that any requirement as to registration or place to cast a vote is seen as an infringement. Not being able to vote after church is an infringement. Not having weeks available to vote is taking the right away. I guess any expectation that citizens show some aforethought is an infringement and cannot be allowed. It seems that some aforethought should be a part of the voting process.
With such a generous and extended period of early voting, we've lost the sense that an election is a true snapshot in time. On this particular date, it was the consensus of the country was to election Candidate X. I know in 2008 if early voting had been available, I would have voted for John McCain, but by Election Day, that had changed and I ended up voting for Obama. i wonder if early voting had more available in 2008, how would that have affected the election? Would it have been enough to secure a McCain Presidency.
With such a generous and extended period of early voting, we've lost the sense that an election is a true snapshot in time. On this particular date, it was the consensus of the country was to election Candidate X. I know in 2008 if early voting had been available, I would have voted for John McCain, but by Election Day, that had changed and I ended up voting for Obama. i wonder if early voting had more available in 2008, how would that have affected the election? Would it have been enough to secure a McCain Presidency.
9
Who you voted for and were going to vote for at any period is not relevant to this argument at all. Fearmongering.
3
As a young adult in the 1980's I was never able to vote because the polls opened after I had to go to work and closed before I returned. Technically my employers were supposed to allow us the opportunity to vote, but they made it very clear that we were not to ask for that opportunity. We would lose our jobs.
Extended voting allows those with jobs with unconventional days, multiple jobs, people to take care of, children and elderly adults the flexibility we need to cast a ballot.
Extended voting allows those with jobs with unconventional days, multiple jobs, people to take care of, children and elderly adults the flexibility we need to cast a ballot.
5
There is no reason to place obstacles in the way of a citizen voting, even when there is no racially discriminatory intent. Voting is a right and state governments should do whatever they reasonably can to facilitate it.
In the case of North Carolina, the photo ID requirement as amended (with an affidavit being enough) might have stood up to attack if the GOP legislators had not been so blatantly obvious in discriminating against Blacks. While I agree with the Court of Appeals in tossing out the new law, I think it should have gone further and dictated exactly what the state had to do to correct its discrimination, e.g., requiring exactly the same provisions it had in the last election (down to locations of voting stations). The NC GOP is incapable of providing for voting in a nondiscriminatory manner on its own.
In the case of North Carolina, the photo ID requirement as amended (with an affidavit being enough) might have stood up to attack if the GOP legislators had not been so blatantly obvious in discriminating against Blacks. While I agree with the Court of Appeals in tossing out the new law, I think it should have gone further and dictated exactly what the state had to do to correct its discrimination, e.g., requiring exactly the same provisions it had in the last election (down to locations of voting stations). The NC GOP is incapable of providing for voting in a nondiscriminatory manner on its own.
2
This is why there is a Black Lives Matter movement because African Americans and their supporters (I include myself) have to continuously be vigilant against those who would take away their rights - to vote, to due process and so on. These discriminatory practices are downright un-American. Shame on these Republican lawmakers. It is time to put the United back int the United States.
9
Politics may be a contact sport but voting is a constitutional right. Shame on those who try to diminish that right.
8
What Americans are beginning to see is that the GOP doesn't seek to govern, it seeks to rule.
9
Wow
I moved from New York to Georgia and I'm shocked that a GOP official admitted the political angle of making the changes.
This is why partisan state or local boards shouldn't regulate voting. We need a single standard that is enforced for all markets by one bipartisan board.
What that official said is troubling outside of just voting hours. It shows a conscious mentality. They are consciously using identity politics. They view one demographic as the opposition; as a result harming this demographic can be viewed as a favorable thing.
It's frightening to hear someone actually say that out loud in the south. Everyone in the south knows about identity politics and tribalism. That's the history of America. A nasty history: especially in the south. We avoid publicly talking about it hoping that it's gone away. Obviously it hasn't. This frame of mind leads America down an adversarial path with its fellow citizens. Mexicans and blacks are viewed as democrats and hence republicans may have no reason to wish for their success. Even worse maybe they'll harm them a bit because hey they don't vote for us.
That's a civil war. I thought we were done with this? Welcome to the new south!
I moved from New York to Georgia and I'm shocked that a GOP official admitted the political angle of making the changes.
This is why partisan state or local boards shouldn't regulate voting. We need a single standard that is enforced for all markets by one bipartisan board.
What that official said is troubling outside of just voting hours. It shows a conscious mentality. They are consciously using identity politics. They view one demographic as the opposition; as a result harming this demographic can be viewed as a favorable thing.
It's frightening to hear someone actually say that out loud in the south. Everyone in the south knows about identity politics and tribalism. That's the history of America. A nasty history: especially in the south. We avoid publicly talking about it hoping that it's gone away. Obviously it hasn't. This frame of mind leads America down an adversarial path with its fellow citizens. Mexicans and blacks are viewed as democrats and hence republicans may have no reason to wish for their success. Even worse maybe they'll harm them a bit because hey they don't vote for us.
That's a civil war. I thought we were done with this? Welcome to the new south!
7
Nothing is new except the methods.
4
Maybe we should have national guidelines for election rules, rather than having the courts address every state’s latest novelty. It doesn’t make sense that what is considered voter suppression can vary so much from place to place.
3
Unfortunately, the constitution leaves elections up to the states, except for those very few details spelled out. Of course, it is time we did away with this arcane system of federal organization that treats the states as semi-autonomous little republics. But hey, we've got a constitution and it provides for "states rights" to an excessive degree, or is ambiguous enough that people can argue over it.
2
So even in heavily Democratic counties, the Election Board is controlled by Republicans?? How does that even happen? I think we need election observers from truly democratic countries to observe what goes on in our supposed "bastion of democracy". Thanks to Republicans cynically manipulating elections to win what they couldn't win in an open and fair contest, our democracy is in serious trouble.
1
Unfortunately, Ds are prone not to vote in local and state elections, especially when they are not at the same time as the federal election. Look at turnout when a county election occurs in April (or whatever month) of a non-presidential year. Very low, and sad.
"How does that even happen?"
In NC, county boards of elections are appointed via the SBoE, not elected, and each board has two members from the governor's party vs one from the opposition. I think it's right that such positions shouldn't themselves be elected; it's wrong that people who have partisan interest in vote suppression should be appointed to those positions. Most of all, the state should have uniform standards for voting.
In NC, county boards of elections are appointed via the SBoE, not elected, and each board has two members from the governor's party vs one from the opposition. I think it's right that such positions shouldn't themselves be elected; it's wrong that people who have partisan interest in vote suppression should be appointed to those positions. Most of all, the state should have uniform standards for voting.
Amendment XIV of the Constitution spells out what should result from this:
"But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for the President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the... inhabitants of such State... and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of... citizens... in such State."
(Note: Amendment XIV refers to male citizens 21 years of age and older, reflecting the rules then in force. Amendments XIX and XXVI expanded the right to vote to women and lowered the voting age to 18.)
In essence, if election boards in NC want to keep people from voting, they can, but the federal government should then respond by taking seats in the House away from NC in proportion to the number of people prevented from voting.
So if 20% of NC voters are prevented from voting in this fashion, NC should lose three House seats (20% of 13 = 2.6, rounded up).
I'm sure other states that don't actively try to prevent voters from voting would love to have an extra House seat or two.
It's as if the framers of Amendment XIV expected shenanigans like this when they wrote it.
"But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for the President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the... inhabitants of such State... and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of... citizens... in such State."
(Note: Amendment XIV refers to male citizens 21 years of age and older, reflecting the rules then in force. Amendments XIX and XXVI expanded the right to vote to women and lowered the voting age to 18.)
In essence, if election boards in NC want to keep people from voting, they can, but the federal government should then respond by taking seats in the House away from NC in proportion to the number of people prevented from voting.
So if 20% of NC voters are prevented from voting in this fashion, NC should lose three House seats (20% of 13 = 2.6, rounded up).
I'm sure other states that don't actively try to prevent voters from voting would love to have an extra House seat or two.
It's as if the framers of Amendment XIV expected shenanigans like this when they wrote it.
5
I am sickened by and ashamed of my fellow North Carolinians. I tend to keep my politics to myself and I am a registered Independent who has never missed voting. This year I am helping to register voters because I feel no loyalty to either party but I feel compelled to act. I understand that bad things happen when good people do nothing. When my kids and my grandkids ask me "What did you do while this was going on?", I'll have an better answer than "Complain and hope for the best."
7
"Politics is a contact sport, he added, and no one should be surprised that Republicans and Democrats alike try to stage elections on terms that favor their party."
Politics isn't a sport and there actually isn't any physical contact. What other inapplicable metaphors would you like to use Robin (hey are you Batman's sidekick?)? I am surprised he didn't revert to war and combat metaphors so loosely used by chicken "hawks" (I'd rather use another word) like him.
However, if you would like to personally try some contact sports, how about some boxing with me?
Politics isn't a sport and there actually isn't any physical contact. What other inapplicable metaphors would you like to use Robin (hey are you Batman's sidekick?)? I am surprised he didn't revert to war and combat metaphors so loosely used by chicken "hawks" (I'd rather use another word) like him.
However, if you would like to personally try some contact sports, how about some boxing with me?
4
If we are truly a democratic society, all persons born in the country considered to be citizens should be registered to vote at birth and deregistered at death. To vote you should have several options: by mail or in person. If by mail, it should be over a substantial period like 2 months. If in person, 2 weeks.
6
"But Republican election officials deny that, citing religious objections to Sunday voting..." Imagine how Republicans would react if a group of Muslim Americans objected to a polling place being open on a religious holiday. "Radical Islamic Terrorists try to influence election" comes to mind.
Other excuses: "the need to give election workers a day off." All of a sudden Republicans care about election workers? I think they can handle an extra few days of work if it means a fair and just election - that's what they're there for.
Republicans are really grasping for straws with this one. Hypocrisy at every turn.
Other excuses: "the need to give election workers a day off." All of a sudden Republicans care about election workers? I think they can handle an extra few days of work if it means a fair and just election - that's what they're there for.
Republicans are really grasping for straws with this one. Hypocrisy at every turn.
10
Only four states have Sunday voting...and New York isn't one of them. Only 18 states have Saturday voting...and New York isn't one of them, but NC is. New York doesn't have early voting or no excuse absentee voting either, but NC has both of them. How many days does New York allow you to go vote at the polls??? If only New York could be more like North Carolina
Haven't these republican officials ever heard of having staff for the election on all days, but some of them off on each day? Good grief, fast food and convenience stores have figured out how to staff their facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
4
When Trump says be on the lookout for voter fraud, what he means is do what you can to prevent the minority vote because they are the ones that commit fraud. A nice twisted way to say the election will be rigged so make sure it is rigged in Trump's favor.
9
As during the Bush V Gore Florida count, having elections overseen by overtly partisan officials biases the outcome. Its essential that all State Elections be run by non-partisan officials, whether elected, appointed or mandated by a court. No more gerrymandering; no more limiting polling places in the other party's strongholds; no more arbitrary 'cleansing' of the voter rolls'; no electronic systems, without a paper trail; no ballots that are hard to understand. Its past time for the Federal Government to set standards for every state, as a civil rights issue. So many local officials have manipulated the process, that we can legitimately doubt the validity races large and small in many, if not all states.
8
With a shrinking voter base the out-of-touch Republican Party is effectively dead in the water. Stealing elections is their only mode of survival. REDMAP is one of their favorite burglar's tools. It is a gerrymandering strategy launched after the 2008 election by the Republicans under the leadership of Karl Rove. The plan, financed by massive amounts of dark money, involves systematic capture of state legislatures and governorship for the sole purpose of sophisticated computer-driven gerrymandering that undermines voting by likely Democrats. As a result, Republicans needed only 48% of the vote to win both Houses of Congress in 2012. As if that were not enough the GOP has also worked hard to gut the Voting Rights Act with lots of help from Supreme Court. The GOP already knows that because of their absurd candidate for President, Donald Trump, they will almost certainly lose the White House bid in 2016. They are now focusing on holding on to the Senate and the House with all of their might. Their might derives from the dirtiest of voter suppression tactics.
5
One caveat: The Senate is not affected by gerrymandering. The constitution guarantees a Senate elected mainly by smaller states (by population). Those states currently tend to be R rather than D. Wyoming and Alaska each get two senators, the same as New York and California. Texas is the only large state that consistently elects R senators. Rhode Island and Delaware are among the very few small states that regularly elect D senators. The consequence is an R majority in the Senate whatever the national sentiment is. Only when the D presidential candidate has very long coattails do we have a shot at a D majority Senate. That probably will happen this year.
One person one vote does not apply to the Senate.
One person one vote does not apply to the Senate.
Having gone to college in North Carolina, by the end of four years in that toxic state, a state of racism so deeply implanted in its culture, or very soil, I swore to never return, and I never have.
8
I am proud to have led an precinct elections team for 10 elections in Orlando area until 2012. Due to our governor Rick Scott and our GOP Legislature, I could no longer tell voters that all eligible voters were enabled to vote and that all votes were counted. By passing new voting laws and rules, playing with voting locations and the number of voting days and making voter registration impossible (even League of Women's Voters couldn't do voter registration due to fines and possible jail time). We lost nearly up to 500,000 votes in the 2012 Primary and Presidential election in FL. Even though the Court overturned the Draconian rules the GOP put in place to restrict voters and voting, it was too late for 2012. Our voter Registration rate was cut by over 60% for that Presidential election 4 year cycle versus previous. Fortunately, so many people worked so hard to be sure we re-elected Obama that their cheating didn't matter.
The courts need to intervene at action in NC that looks like action to curb Black vote not until the damage is done.
The courts need to intervene at action in NC that looks like action to curb Black vote not until the damage is done.
7
If Trump wants to show that he respects the rights of minorities who he asserts have been exploited and betrayed by Democrats, he will speak up for voting rights in North Carolina and against the barriers created by Republican legislators in that state.
5
If you think that will happen: Bridges for sale, bridges for sale!
1
In some respects, NC is a microcosm of what has been done nationally- largely through unregulated Corporate right-wing media. When hillbilly legislatures view their own states as Koch-fueled Frankensteinian laboratories, North Carolina, Kansas, et al are the resulting monsters.
To Mr. White Privilege, *everything* is a zero-sum game, someone has to win and someone has to lose, and objective reality and truth are denied in favor of dueling soundbites and false equivalencies.
Thanks to decades-long exposure to such media chicanery, the public have become used to simply being lied to. In the face of this, Many people retain their ethics and desire to hear the truth. These people are not your typical Republican voter, shall we say.
Which brings us to a bankrupt, bigoted "businessman" playing Mussolini, Jr. on a gadget near you, in an endless loop.
To Mr. White Privilege, *everything* is a zero-sum game, someone has to win and someone has to lose, and objective reality and truth are denied in favor of dueling soundbites and false equivalencies.
Thanks to decades-long exposure to such media chicanery, the public have become used to simply being lied to. In the face of this, Many people retain their ethics and desire to hear the truth. These people are not your typical Republican voter, shall we say.
Which brings us to a bankrupt, bigoted "businessman" playing Mussolini, Jr. on a gadget near you, in an endless loop.
11
Trust me when I say that these latest board of election antics to limit voting is being maneuvered quietly behind the scenes by the mounds of funding from the coffers of the racist conservative neo-religious fanatic ALEC and Koch Brothers boys. What surprises me is how little the Feds seem interested in intervening, forcing those of us watching it happen on the local/state level to have to sound the judicial alarms.
The problem with our state is- point blank- INDEPENDENT Board of Election oversight. Most states have a certified independent neutral commission which by law is required independently follow up with any and all, recent or past state and federal voting changes and implement appropriate logistics.
We have no such neutral voting governing body in NC to keep things above board- and to our detriment- the ALEC boys know this.
We are in a shameful place right now here in NC by continuing to allow this backwards 19th century style of biased, back room hand-shaking to speak for a minority of hateful, backbiting conservative demagogues.
The problem with our state is- point blank- INDEPENDENT Board of Election oversight. Most states have a certified independent neutral commission which by law is required independently follow up with any and all, recent or past state and federal voting changes and implement appropriate logistics.
We have no such neutral voting governing body in NC to keep things above board- and to our detriment- the ALEC boys know this.
We are in a shameful place right now here in NC by continuing to allow this backwards 19th century style of biased, back room hand-shaking to speak for a minority of hateful, backbiting conservative demagogues.
8
If we believe in a democracy in which one person = one vote, then start a national system in which each US birth certificate registers that citizen as a voter. Make voter registration automatic at naturalization ceremonies. it won't correct the wrongs of the past but could achieve a more democratic future. Small d.
4
Republicans think they are so much better than other ethnic groups is ver offensive. This is the only way they win in the South. Boycott and avoid NC .
3
to encourage Americans to vote is ethical, patriotic and healthy for our country's future.
to block Americans from voting is traitorous.
to block Americans from voting is traitorous.
12
The candidate elected in November will swear to defend the Constitution and faithfully execute the office of the president. The Constitution tasks presidents to take care to see that the laws are faithfully executed, this includes the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, which President Bill Clinton signed into law in 1996. This act, which passed with huge bi-partisan majorities in both houses, calls for the deportation of unauthorized immigrants and a crackdown on employers who hire them. The law doesn’t say only illegal immigrants who commit no crimes other than violations of immigration law and visa regulations shall be deported, or limit deportations to illegal immigrants who are childless. So, voters who base their vote on the immigration issue will have to base their decision on which candidate they think is most likely to keep or break the oath of office.
And voters will decide on that and all other kinds of issues when the GOP stops trying to prevent them from doing so, rather than trying to pick and choose who can and cannot do so.
See how that works?
See how that works?
1
The Republican election boards seem to be making this much too complicated. Wouldn't it be simpler to to just allocate 3/5 a tally for each African-American vote? Make America Great Again, right?
5
The local Democrats could contact voters to assist with registration where necessary, find out who needs a ride to and from the voting sites and provide transportation. Do something useful.
2
And yet Republicans are constantly getting their knickers up in a knot about "voter fraud." The Republican urge to dehumanize and de-legitimize anyone who doesn't see the world as they do is pathological. Talk about "rigging" elections.
10
This should be a wakeup call to ALL, politics is LOCAL. Get involved at your City Council and School Board elections! People who are against PUBLIC education are flooding the school boards and people who want to slash budgets for roads and water are flooding city councils. They know they can take over with few votes. And thus control the entire state. It is time for everyone to carve out an hour to make sure that their LOCAL VOICES are heard. These are the stepping stones to state and national office!
4
I agree 1000%. Voting in the local elections is essential!
1
This problem would be resolved if NC would switch to mail-in ballots like WA, OR and CA.
4
This is simply not the case. Mail-in ballots are more susceptible to impersonation fraud, and raise the possibility of people voting under duress ("Let's fill out all our ballots together at the kitchen table!")
WA, OR and CA have civic cultures that value free and fair elections. They have structures in place that ensure the integrity of the ballot and punish people who interfere in that process. PacNWers in particular -- coming from states that have always had low African-American populations -- tend not to understand how discrimination is baked into southern politics. African-Americans traditionally vote in person because they want to be sure that their votes are registered and counted.
WA, OR and CA have civic cultures that value free and fair elections. They have structures in place that ensure the integrity of the ballot and punish people who interfere in that process. PacNWers in particular -- coming from states that have always had low African-American populations -- tend not to understand how discrimination is baked into southern politics. African-Americans traditionally vote in person because they want to be sure that their votes are registered and counted.
L.B. I disagree on the impersonation issue. My ballot is mailed to my address of record. I must place my voted ballot in a secure envelop (provided by the county auditor) place that envelop in a second envelop which I then sign in the designated signature block and mail or place in a designated drop box at the city library. Impersonation would require a counterfeit signature and counterfeit ballot. The auditor compares the ballot signature to the voters signature on file. Pretty clean system IMO. We have electronic scanning of the ballots with paper backup.
Several years ago we had a gubernatorial race in WA decided by 108 votes. US Attorney Mike McKay (GW Bush appointee) was fired because he refused to contest the outcome. McKay could find no justification to contest.
Several years ago we had a gubernatorial race in WA decided by 108 votes. US Attorney Mike McKay (GW Bush appointee) was fired because he refused to contest the outcome. McKay could find no justification to contest.
We must look again on the Supreme Court decision finding that the pre-clearance of state voting laws of certain states is unconstitutional because times and circumstances have changed. The Court in that decision found that then current voters rights law was based on a period of our history that discriminated against a portion of the population but those conditions are no longer shown to exist in those states today. But the recent North Carolina Voter ID decision shows that this is not the case, the federal court found that nearly immediately after the Supreme Court decision eliminating pre-clearance of new voting laws, North Carolina intentionally drafted laws to limit black voters by the creation of obstacles in those voters path. While the interference in the state matters by the federal government should be limited to the only most extreme cases, the Constitutional importance of the right to vote, the finding of intent to exclude black voters by state legislation, and the history of exclusion of black voters shows that Congress must again legislate oversight, as the Supreme Court left open, based on more recent examples of discriminatory practices.
3
From Connecticut, we never had early voting, we had absentee ballots, and we always provided ID. I don't see why that's a problem. Don't we want to be sure that whoever is voting is a citizen with a right to vote?
1
You are off topic, but it's not the ID; it's the limited ID. State benefit cards are often not allowed. Usually the ID can only be obtained far from areas where the minorities live. College IDs are often banned. A straightforward picture ID should be sufficient. Studies have shown so far that there is not even marginally substantiated voter fraud in the US.
What they're doing is no surprise to me. That has been the history of the modern Republican party in the South, which originally appealed to segregationists. What is surprising is that they admit it, while weakly denying it.
10
Seems many commenters here don't read the article before commenting. How is 106 hours of early voting voter suppression? If voting is important to you you will find a way to get there. Anyone who has ever lived in a truly rural area knows you cannot survive without a car. If you don't have one you know someone who does. If Dems are so worried provide transportation to polling places. Problem solved.
1
i guess you can read, but comprehension isn't a strong point. it says 106.5 hours is less than 1/4 of the hours allotted in the 2012 election. not too blatant, at all. i'm not American, but the right wing in the usa is the scariest mainstream political party in the western world.....
4
They should make it much easier to vote for Democrats than Republicans. The polling places for Republicans should be much sparser then they are. make them work much harder for it than they normally would...and think hard before you complain about this. After all, if voting is important to you than you will find a way to get there, no?
2
So, bigotry and voter suppression is OK as long as you force the other political party to provide and pay for transportation? I think the state should do that to ensure fair voting opportunities for all. No doubt many individuals and churches will assist those in need, but just the suppression alone is un-American and totally out of line.
1
Creating obstacles to the voting franchise will only cause minorities to more closely equate the Republican Party with Jim Crow. While such chicanery may bring short-term electoral success — hard feelings and mistrust of the GOP in minority communities will simmer for decades. People don't soon forget. Note how Prop. 187 helped to defang the California GOP and cement Democratic control of the state legislature and governorship for decades.
12
"Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?"
Encouraging voting- OK. Discouraging voting- not OK.
Encouraging voting- OK. Discouraging voting- not OK.
4
Not a single one of the changes the article describes can reasonably be said to prevent Democrats from voting any more than they can be said to prevent Republicans, Libertarians, or Greens from voting. (Entirely different restrictive rules operate against parties other than the Republican or Democratic in most states and probably also in North Carolina.)
Reducing early voting hours or Sunday voting may affect more black than white voters because there are more of them, but otherwise is neutral. The fact that many black people vote at the earliest opportunity most likely means no more than that, and is easy to understand. People eager to vote likely enough will vote at the earliest opportunity whenever it is.
Limiting early voting locations will make it harder for those with limited transportation options, and probably would affect black people more that white people, but that is not a given. More important is availability, on election day, of enough adequately staffed and provisioned polling locations within reasonable access distance.
The state of New York, like its neighboring states Connecticut and Pennsylvania, has no early (including Sunday) voting, and requires written justification in advance for absentee voting. This affects more black people,in New York City alone, than the North Carolina cutbacks reported here.
Reducing early voting hours or Sunday voting may affect more black than white voters because there are more of them, but otherwise is neutral. The fact that many black people vote at the earliest opportunity most likely means no more than that, and is easy to understand. People eager to vote likely enough will vote at the earliest opportunity whenever it is.
Limiting early voting locations will make it harder for those with limited transportation options, and probably would affect black people more that white people, but that is not a given. More important is availability, on election day, of enough adequately staffed and provisioned polling locations within reasonable access distance.
The state of New York, like its neighboring states Connecticut and Pennsylvania, has no early (including Sunday) voting, and requires written justification in advance for absentee voting. This affects more black people,in New York City alone, than the North Carolina cutbacks reported here.
3
I reside in NC and vote for Republicans, Democrats, and the occasional Libertarian. I am all-too-familiar with what our Republican-led state legislature has been up to regarding the traditional gerrymandering of legislative districts. The Democrats did the same thing when they controlled the legislature.
We are now witnessing a new form of gerrymandering that limits voting times and locations. Mr. Woodhouse is right when he says that both the Democratic and Republican parties in NC have worked to bend the rules in favor of one party or the other. What the Republicans fails to understand is this: North Carolinians didn’t like this kind of politics when the Democrats were in power and we don’t like it now!
Mr. Woodhouse also gets it wrong when he says that his party is “just attempting to rebalance the scales.” It is certainly true that when the Democrats were in power, they sought to increase early voting and expand the number of polling places, most notably by placing polls near college campuses. The result was an increase in voters, which generally favors Democrats. I’d point out to Mr. Woodhouse that the Democrats did nothing to discourage Republican voters. Their actions were designed to “get-out-the-vote!” What the current Republican legislative majority has done is DISCOURAGE VOTING by making it less convenient. I cannot abide a party that puts limits on voting and I’ll be expressing my disgust through my ballot on Election Day 2016.
We are now witnessing a new form of gerrymandering that limits voting times and locations. Mr. Woodhouse is right when he says that both the Democratic and Republican parties in NC have worked to bend the rules in favor of one party or the other. What the Republicans fails to understand is this: North Carolinians didn’t like this kind of politics when the Democrats were in power and we don’t like it now!
Mr. Woodhouse also gets it wrong when he says that his party is “just attempting to rebalance the scales.” It is certainly true that when the Democrats were in power, they sought to increase early voting and expand the number of polling places, most notably by placing polls near college campuses. The result was an increase in voters, which generally favors Democrats. I’d point out to Mr. Woodhouse that the Democrats did nothing to discourage Republican voters. Their actions were designed to “get-out-the-vote!” What the current Republican legislative majority has done is DISCOURAGE VOTING by making it less convenient. I cannot abide a party that puts limits on voting and I’ll be expressing my disgust through my ballot on Election Day 2016.
17
... and we excoriate someone who doesn't stand up to the National Anthem prior to a multi billion dollar commercial sporting event? Really?
9
When trying to field a team in any sport, there are two components necessary to win. Field the best team you can and practice, practice, practice.
Or, you can take the republican approach which is to never practice while spending all of your energy trying to disqualify members of the other team. This is what happens when one party is drained of ideas and doesn't remember nor care to, govern.
Or, you can take the republican approach which is to never practice while spending all of your energy trying to disqualify members of the other team. This is what happens when one party is drained of ideas and doesn't remember nor care to, govern.
7
As naive as this may read it is difficult to imagine Americans are actually showing this disrespect and disregard of themselves more than the citizens they are obviously trying to disenfranchise.
How can they disregard the lives of the men and women who died or were wounded on the fields of battle in every war to uphold the values our nation professes?
The men who returned this outcome cannot kiss their wives and children, kneel before their god in humility or look any actual man in the eye.
How can they disregard the lives of the men and women who died or were wounded on the fields of battle in every war to uphold the values our nation professes?
The men who returned this outcome cannot kiss their wives and children, kneel before their god in humility or look any actual man in the eye.
4
To say that "Republicans and Democats alike try to stage elections on terms that favor their party" is a false equivalent. Republicans are trying to limit voting, Democrats are trying to expand voting. How can you pretend to support a democratic government by making it more difficult to vote? If the only way Republicans can win is by restricting voting intead of improving policy, they should be ashamed. Win with winning policies, not blocking the voting system.
10
and another thing: If within the article North Carolina officials admit what they are doing, why does the headline need "Critics say?" Shouldn't it be "Republican Officials Admit North Carolina is Curbing Black Vote. Again."
12
Perhaps North Carolina could try establishing a nonpartisan voting commission, similar to the one in California, where a large mix of people outside of the party machines work together to map out districts based on more objective standards. Take party politics out of it, as much as possible.
Having lopsided, three-person local panels that flip-flop every time one party takes over the state government seems like a real headache, no matter which party you're in.
Having lopsided, three-person local panels that flip-flop every time one party takes over the state government seems like a real headache, no matter which party you're in.
7
It's tragically amusing that these states that do everything that can to limit people's voting rights, are the same ones that get apoplectic if someone tries to limit, in any way, "gun rights." You know, why not make guns available in vending machines? Go ahead, bring them to church, and your college campus, and the ice cream shop, and ... It's all about our "freedom" and the 2nd Amendment. But that value of "freedom" is forgotten when it comes to these blatant efforts to tilt elections.
10
Actually North Carolina allows both early voting and non excuse absentee voting. It is also one of only 18 states to have Saturday voting.
There are only 4 states that allow Sunday voting.
New York and many other NE states....bastens of democrats..don't allow early voting at all!!! Don't let facts get in the way though.
There are only 4 states that allow Sunday voting.
New York and many other NE states....bastens of democrats..don't allow early voting at all!!! Don't let facts get in the way though.
Here are some the "facts" related to NC's voting laws (or at least what the Republicans tried for):
http://nc-democracy.org/downloads/NewVotingLawSummaryAug2013.pdf
As far as "NE states," I can assure you that here in VT we're not afraid of who might vote when (we call that DEMOCRACY). We allow same day voter registration; very early voting (you can vote from Sept 23rd on); and we don't require people to present identification to vote. That feels like freedom to me.
http://nc-democracy.org/downloads/NewVotingLawSummaryAug2013.pdf
As far as "NE states," I can assure you that here in VT we're not afraid of who might vote when (we call that DEMOCRACY). We allow same day voter registration; very early voting (you can vote from Sept 23rd on); and we don't require people to present identification to vote. That feels like freedom to me.
1
What does Donald Trump have to complain about? His party is run by rigging champions.
4
“Purely bogus,” Robin C. Hayes, the state Republican Party chairman, said Tuesday in an interview. “In fact, we’re working hard to increase the vote from every region and from every interest group. And by the way, no great surprise: We want them to vote Republican.”
Politics is a contact sport, he added, and no one should be surprised that Republicans and Democrats alike try to stage elections on terms that favor their party.
Wow! Amazing that this loser would totally admit that he is in favor of fixing the vote in the state of North Carolina. He should be in jail not leading that states republican party.
Politics is a contact sport, he added, and no one should be surprised that Republicans and Democrats alike try to stage elections on terms that favor their party.
Wow! Amazing that this loser would totally admit that he is in favor of fixing the vote in the state of North Carolina. He should be in jail not leading that states republican party.
5
More Democrat whining that people who choose to not vote are somehow the fault of Republicans. Pathetic. The right to vote includes the right not to vote. You are not guaranteed car service with a police escort to the polling place with a Dem pollster helping you pull the lever. The Dems seem to disagree.
4
You are conflating, and confusing, two distinct issues: voter apathy and voter access. The article to which you are responding is about the latter, not the former. Learn to read with more comprehension.
7
Mr. Hayes is the one who deserves a police escort and not to a polling place. This is not about whining but about an outright attempt to marginalize a racial minority regardless of party affiliation. One also has the right to go to the Moon or not go to the Moon. But relative to going to the Moon we should not be making it harder to vote. We should be making it easier for everyone so when the choice is not to vote it is not because of barriers imposed. The reality is that republican leaders are very concerned that certain voters ARE going to stay home so they are resorting to these trash tactics.
1
Since when is an ID and showing up or getting a form mailed to you a barrier? Such hoops to jump through. They have like 2 weeks of early voting. Is the cost of a stamp oppression? Grow a pair of brain lobes.
The Republican message is clear, "You do not deserve to vote if you're black or poor."
Obviously, Republicans feel that if they don't steal elections, they won't win.
I'd say it's the only thing they've gotten right in the last 50 years.
Obviously, Republicans feel that if they don't steal elections, they won't win.
I'd say it's the only thing they've gotten right in the last 50 years.
7
Over the years I have had many Republican friends and acquaintances and I can tell you that their philosophy is pretty much all the same. Make as much money as you can and use it to gain as much control as you can. You don't have to abide by any rules. If you do encounter a rule that you can't obey then go around it. Any other approach is self defeating so don't do it. People who abide by the rules are just plain stupid.
It's a philosophy that works pretty well because there are all kinds of stupid people out there who won't break the rules like you do so you can screw them over at will.
And that's Republicanism in a nutshell.
It's a philosophy that works pretty well because there are all kinds of stupid people out there who won't break the rules like you do so you can screw them over at will.
And that's Republicanism in a nutshell.
8
I thought you were describing Bill and Hillary Clinton...no..yes?
1
I saw a program on PBS entitled "Klansville U.S.A." During the 1950's when integration was starting to become a hot button issue, Klan membership was very high in N.C. It wasn't as virulent as the Mississippi/Alabama Klan; but not was built on the same foundation.
2
I live in NC. Koch financed operatives running the show here. Writing new legislation. Providing media tactics and press releases. We have a lying scoundrel of a governor who looks good on TV but is duplicitous, mean spirited and desperate to maintain power. Bad situation. Only hope is that the state gets more and more national attention that sheds light on the zombie rise of the Jesse Helms' philosophy of anti-black, anti woman, anti progressive education agenda. Thank the Koch Brothers. They funded and are directing from behind.
10
The GOP cannot win elections on the merits of an issue so they resort to cheating. Their party is completely dominated now by far right and extreme ideologues including white racists and bigots who were always part of the base, but who have raised their profile with a Trump candidacy. They abuse their legislative power in the states they control with creative gerrymandering and engage in voter suppression tactics that specifically target black voters and they purge voter rolls of registered democrats due to "inactivity" in recent election cycles. The good people of these states should vote them out of power.
13
Voting should be a national standard, no state laws at all. Every state votes on the same weekend and no election is considered valid unless 66.6% of all registered voters participate. Voting is not a right or privilege, it is a responsibility.
9
Republican efforts to suppress minority voting go back decades and have been public knowledge since the 2012 election.
While court challenges to the draconian laws was and still is the right thing to do, public interest groups and the Democrat Party should have immediately put in place programs that would have assisted all eligible voters (minority or otherwise) to register and to get proper photo IDs.
Why this was left to the last minute and made reliant on successful legal challenges defies logic and beyond comprehension.
Dirk in NH
While court challenges to the draconian laws was and still is the right thing to do, public interest groups and the Democrat Party should have immediately put in place programs that would have assisted all eligible voters (minority or otherwise) to register and to get proper photo IDs.
Why this was left to the last minute and made reliant on successful legal challenges defies logic and beyond comprehension.
Dirk in NH
9
Why in America is this still an issue. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see what the Republicans are doing and that it is not right. The fact that such tactics succeed and have to challenged in court is the travesty.
3
There is already an extensive get out the vote operation on the ground in NC. Nothing was left to the last minute except this revelation of a new round of dirty tricks by the Republicans in control of local election boards.
2
If the Republicans hadn't used every trick in the book my feeling here is that Democrats would own this state. It's obviously a democratic state that has been gerrymandered and fraudulently overtaken by Republican politicians. I mean, good luck to them, it's politics. They know exactly what they are doing and we don't.
10
Seems that some of the choice quotes from this article would make fascinating exhibits at the next Supreme Court deliberation about the motives for all this Republican cheating. Pretty brazen, if you ask me.
8
More disgusting rationalization and blatant opportunism from North Carolina Republicans. In this reportage they clearly admit that they are trying to repress the votes of the poor and minority voters. Courts take note! This needs to be quashed!
9
With many well educated people moving or returning to North Carolina, the old power structure is worried. It seems it is doing what it knows best, keeping down the less advantaged - hence more easily suppressed - portion of the electorate.
4
Whats the diference if you are black or white. Wasted energy...just go vote, stop the non sense.
2
Did you actually read the article??? -- If you did, you'd know there is nothing nonsensical about it.
I did read the story figure it out and go vote.
Do as Belgium and Austrailia and other countries do; make voting mandatory; it is as important a civic duty as paying taxes, just don't create loopholes as has been done with the tax code. Do create the opportunity to easily cast your ballot.
8
I will believe there is hope when NC, NC State, Duke and other college sports programs and athletes publicly protest for Voting Rights and LGBT rights. Imagine athletes and their coaches stepping up and holding the state publicly accountable for their misdeeds supported by fans in the stadiums. Given the media hype surrounding football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, soccer and other sports wouldn't it be extraordinary to see sports program participants making a statement on right and wrong. Surely that is a part of every college and university mission statement is it not?
6
Partisans and often extremists make the rules. It is understandable that the more motivated groups, even if small, tend to dominate. But, Democrats and Republicans have used their pluralities to rig a two party system where all the rules are against independents and the two parties can swing haymakers at each other trying to destroy each other while freezing out any smaller group. The gov. of Virginia is furiously pardoning felons one at a time to increase Democratic votes. The Republicans oppose him. The Republicans are putting in ID laws, in the abstract fine, but centered on filtering out likely Dem. voters. The Democrats oppose them. When they take over a state, a party redistributes the lines to favor their party - and its legal. Laws in most states do not permit a person who ran for a party nomination to run as an independent. But both parties have made sure that someone like Gary Johnson can't even get into a debate, the only real way for him to get name recognition. An independent in congress now has to "caucus" with one party or another. And so on. I don't think there is a way to get rid of partisans, but I despise the system that keeps the two parties in challenge-free power. We do slowly make things fairer and fairer in our country, but it will not be in my lifetime most people do not take sides in the great battle of "us" and "them."
The governor of VA is not "pardoning" prisoners, he is restoring their voting rights after they have been released from prison, thereby cutting off the extrajudicial penalty of disenfranchisement that states tack on to the penalties directly associated with whatever felony the person was convicted of and sent to prison for.
1
More proof that Republicanism is the lowest form of governance.
They are a cancer on the body politic. And personally, I can't wait until they have been completely exorcised from this country. Via vivisection if necessary.
Perhaps they can all move to North Korea where their style of government would be right at home.
The thought of these people writing laws designed to intentionally disenfranchise people makes me want to vomit.
They are a cancer on the body politic. And personally, I can't wait until they have been completely exorcised from this country. Via vivisection if necessary.
Perhaps they can all move to North Korea where their style of government would be right at home.
The thought of these people writing laws designed to intentionally disenfranchise people makes me want to vomit.
7
Large parts of America, especially in the south, simply do not have a civic culture that is comfortable with the concept of free and fair elections.
That's what the Voting Rights Act (and particularly preclearance) was meant to inculcate, because many political leaders in those states have no incentive to want free and fair elections.
That's what the Voting Rights Act (and particularly preclearance) was meant to inculcate, because many political leaders in those states have no incentive to want free and fair elections.
5
Straight from the horse's mouth: "Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage (sic) their voters over Republicans?" says Dallas Woodhouse of North Carolina's GOP. "We are just attempting to rebalance the scales."
Exactly!!! Democrats are trying to make it easier to vote. Republicans want to make it more difficult.
Election Day should reflect the will of the people, not the will of devious politicos determined to keep their fat thumbs on the scales of justice.
Exactly!!! Democrats are trying to make it easier to vote. Republicans want to make it more difficult.
Election Day should reflect the will of the people, not the will of devious politicos determined to keep their fat thumbs on the scales of justice.
7
Your own state does not allow early voting. No absentee voting in NY without an excuse! Talk about voter suppression!
1
Nice try....but you're wrong.....
Last year we visited Ashville NC for vacation, lovely place, spent money. One precise action we have control of - take North Carolina off the list, do not visit, do not contribute to a Confederacy mindset. NC Republicans seem to understand only power and money. Apologies to the hospitality workers but no point in supporting the good old boys.
6
Republicans know they cannot win in a fair and open election. This is why they have perfected gerrymandering to a fine art and use every method of voter suppression imaginable.
9
Companies that have large operations in NC (like the one I work for) either need to put pressure on state lawmakers or consider leaving the state altogether.
8
Here in Oregon we have 100% vote by mail. Ballots are mailed out over two weeks before election day and may be filled out when it is convenient for the voter, then returned by mail or put into one of the many secure drop boxes. Our voter turn out is high and voter fraud is practically non-existant. It saves our state a lot of money and there are paper ballots to verify the election. Maybe this should be considered as a national system ~ no worry over hacking of voting machines.
13
Robin C. Hayes talks with a forked tongue. Is anyone surprised that N. Carolina is a poster child for why the holes in the Voting Rights Act needs to be fixed? Texas - you're on deck, no doubt plotting to do the same.
3
well... of course they are!
When will the Feds get real and say what should be said from the first: no voter restriction or voter ID laws allowed. Period.
All this talk of fraud collapses the moment anyone looks at it closely, the whole thing falls apart. It's a Right Wing political smoke screen, and the Justice Department and the Courts should be smart enough to get that by now. It's not rocket science, it's voter disenfranchisement by Race and Party preference. Why do we have to spell out to the Feds the inappropriateness of actions which were supposed to be eliminated decades ago. The only place we should be hearing about stuff like this is in a US history book.
The only one conducting the fraud here are the politicians themselves!
When will the Feds get real and say what should be said from the first: no voter restriction or voter ID laws allowed. Period.
All this talk of fraud collapses the moment anyone looks at it closely, the whole thing falls apart. It's a Right Wing political smoke screen, and the Justice Department and the Courts should be smart enough to get that by now. It's not rocket science, it's voter disenfranchisement by Race and Party preference. Why do we have to spell out to the Feds the inappropriateness of actions which were supposed to be eliminated decades ago. The only place we should be hearing about stuff like this is in a US history book.
The only one conducting the fraud here are the politicians themselves!
7
When will they stop? Republicans' share of the voters across the country is shrinking. I don't think that's going to change any time soon. The demographics aren't what they were in 1950 or 1970 or even 1990. If the answer is to prevent voting of the increased Democrats (or others)... first--where is the American in that? and 2nd--Apparently they could not see the iceberg right in their path that has torn the ship in half. When will they get on Board the U.S. of 2016? They're trying to use buckets to bail out the Titanic.
3
I wonder how many African-Americans still believe that Donald Trump, being the obvious, true to life representative of the Republican Party, is still the party of Abraham Lincoln...the republican president that "freed the slaves"?
This would be a fatal, grave mistake to continue believing this.
Maybe this small fraction of African-Americans need to know that the Republicans and Democrats swapped platforms or changed sides as it were. The republicans who once supported big government are now the party of curbing government power. Now, the Democrats are the party of big government.
Even though the republicans swapped platforms the Republicans didn't change their loyalties. The Republicans have remained, throughout the history of Republicans being in American politics, the party of big business.
In short, today's Republicans are NOT the Party of Lincoln. Today's republican party despises minorities...all minorities. They, even today, do things that would equate to enslavement, keeping specific people under control through fear and derivation with the end desire only to be in dictatorial control of this country.
It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their own selfish purposes. [Andrew Jackson] That rich and powerful that Jackson was describing is the Republican party which has always been, the party of big business...they are not the party of the people.
This would be a fatal, grave mistake to continue believing this.
Maybe this small fraction of African-Americans need to know that the Republicans and Democrats swapped platforms or changed sides as it were. The republicans who once supported big government are now the party of curbing government power. Now, the Democrats are the party of big government.
Even though the republicans swapped platforms the Republicans didn't change their loyalties. The Republicans have remained, throughout the history of Republicans being in American politics, the party of big business.
In short, today's Republicans are NOT the Party of Lincoln. Today's republican party despises minorities...all minorities. They, even today, do things that would equate to enslavement, keeping specific people under control through fear and derivation with the end desire only to be in dictatorial control of this country.
It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their own selfish purposes. [Andrew Jackson] That rich and powerful that Jackson was describing is the Republican party which has always been, the party of big business...they are not the party of the people.
4
A 400 square mile county is not particularly large. I live in Franklin county, OH which at 532 square miles is about average for Ohio. Ohio counties were established with the concept that a citizen in farthest corner of the county should be able to travel by horseback from their home to the county seat and back within a single day.
Looked at another way 400 square miles would be a county 20 miles wide and 20 miles long. If it's rural and you have to go to the county seat for groceries, health care or anything else, you either need a car or need to know someone who will drive you.
Looked at another way 400 square miles would be a county 20 miles wide and 20 miles long. If it's rural and you have to go to the county seat for groceries, health care or anything else, you either need a car or need to know someone who will drive you.
2
You have to hand it to the Republicans. They're all about patriotism, liberty, and freedom when it comes to standing for the National Anthem written by a slave owner or marching in front of the NAACP building with AR-15s. But their idea of making America great again has nothing to do with democracy and everything to do with repression.
13
"citing religious objections to Sunday voting..."
This is the thing about the conservative religious right using "religious objections" as a means to control others (in any way they see the need). Hobby Lobby set a precedent for using an individual's claim for religious objection to infringe on another individual's right of conscientious (denying another their right of health care choices based personal belief). What is glaringly missed, and should be addressed legally and by the press, is how this is incorrect and not in standing with the right of individual conscientious (freedom of religion). If you object to voting on Sundays for religious reasons -- you have the right to NOT vote on Sundays, yourself, but not to prevent others who believe differently from doing so. One's religious objections can not impose upon the right of conscientiously-held beliefs and practices of another. Your right to religious, moral or conscientious freedom ends at the outer limit of your own person, and no further.
This is the thing about the conservative religious right using "religious objections" as a means to control others (in any way they see the need). Hobby Lobby set a precedent for using an individual's claim for religious objection to infringe on another individual's right of conscientious (denying another their right of health care choices based personal belief). What is glaringly missed, and should be addressed legally and by the press, is how this is incorrect and not in standing with the right of individual conscientious (freedom of religion). If you object to voting on Sundays for religious reasons -- you have the right to NOT vote on Sundays, yourself, but not to prevent others who believe differently from doing so. One's religious objections can not impose upon the right of conscientiously-held beliefs and practices of another. Your right to religious, moral or conscientious freedom ends at the outer limit of your own person, and no further.
11
I think the real question here is this: how is it possible that Republicans control the elections board in a county where Democrats outnumber Republicans by more that two-to-one? The State Board of Elections should have rules against this kind of partisanship.
3
North Carolina citizens do not know or at least do not accept that the south lost the Civil War. To them, it is alive and well - white race uber-alles. In many respects the United States would be a better place had the confederacy won that war.
1
Name one. And slavery doesn't count.
2
As a white male veteran, from generations of vets back to the Revolutionary War, I want to say shame on NC and any other state that wants to restrict Americans from voting. We see through you! Your interests are not American interests and your ideals are not what my ancestors fought and died to create.
Grow up, mentally and spiritually. Stop acting like a banana republic. America is great BECAUSE of our diversity.
Grow up, mentally and spiritually. Stop acting like a banana republic. America is great BECAUSE of our diversity.
11
What a disgrace. Not a single reason, let alone a justified one, to explain why early voting hours are being cut back, or why more polling places are not available. Not even a pretense for this crooked behavior, except the desire to win. Please, get out and vote this year.
12
I was born and raised in the South -- not North Carolina-- and I moved away because I was ashamed of what Southerners are willing to do to anyone they consider beneath them -- and of course blacks get the worst of their mistreatment.
North Carolina is a beautiful state, but it is harming itself with this supression of the black vote and ridiculous antics regarding gender and bathrooms. All of this holds the whole state back. Eventually the racists will lose, but it is unbelievable how hard they will fight to keep from growing into the real world.
North Carolina is a beautiful state, but it is harming itself with this supression of the black vote and ridiculous antics regarding gender and bathrooms. All of this holds the whole state back. Eventually the racists will lose, but it is unbelievable how hard they will fight to keep from growing into the real world.
29
So having 106.5 hours of early voting and only one weekend voting day in NC is "voter suppression" but having zero hours of early voting and no weekend voting in NY is the democratic process at its best? How could Democrats make such a claim?
And based on Timothy Egan's column about the stupidity of many voters doesn't it make sense to discourage these "low information" folks from voting?
And based on Timothy Egan's column about the stupidity of many voters doesn't it make sense to discourage these "low information" folks from voting?
5
"Makes sense" is subjective. To Republicans anything that selfishly improves their life "makes sense" but to Dems anything that raises all boats "makes sense". That is America 101.
1
Well, in some neck of the woods, they sure know who is suppressing them and that's enough to worry the power structure.
Why aren't election laws uniform in every state? Why isn't there a Federal standard for voting - including at the polls, early voting, absentee? How can this be a state/county's rights issue when this is a Constitutional right?
12
Perhaps election procedures are not uniform in all the states because that is not within the scope of the federal government's constitutional authority but fall in the category covered in the tenth amendment. While the fourteenth amendment, and more specifically the fifteenth amendment, grant the Congress authority to enact legislation covering denial or abridgment of voting rights, it is not clear that would extend to specifying the details of voting procedure and timing, just as it is, in fact, unclear that the voting rules the article describes actually prevent or restrict the act of voting by either black or white citizens.
Voting, and many other actions, inevitably will be more difficult for some than for others. Those who live in rural areas, whether by choice or necessity, will be farther from stores, schools, churches, and many other things than those who live in cities. Poorer people are likely to have more difficulty with transportation generally, not only with voting, than those with more resources. Given the demographics of North Carolina (22% black, 71% white, it is highly probable that any voter suppression, so called, that follows from the rules the article describes affects many more whites than blacks, despite the possibility that it affects a larger fraction of blacks than whites.
Voting, and many other actions, inevitably will be more difficult for some than for others. Those who live in rural areas, whether by choice or necessity, will be farther from stores, schools, churches, and many other things than those who live in cities. Poorer people are likely to have more difficulty with transportation generally, not only with voting, than those with more resources. Given the demographics of North Carolina (22% black, 71% white, it is highly probable that any voter suppression, so called, that follows from the rules the article describes affects many more whites than blacks, despite the possibility that it affects a larger fraction of blacks than whites.
This is the real voter fraud, brought to you by the repubs. They are rigging the election in the only way they know how: cheating.
North Carolina does not accept the U.S. Constitution.
I urge all NC equal rights advocates to assist everyone without transportation to get to their polling place. Also, assist all who need help getting their mail-in ballots in the mail on time.
Disgusting violation of voting rights.
North Carolina does not accept the U.S. Constitution.
I urge all NC equal rights advocates to assist everyone without transportation to get to their polling place. Also, assist all who need help getting their mail-in ballots in the mail on time.
Disgusting violation of voting rights.
24
Voting procedures need to be uniform and nationally enforced. After this shameful NC example, why would anyone question this? Yes, if everyone voted, Republicans would lose in droves. The way for them to remedy this is to change their platform, policies and candidates to attract a true majority, not continue to game, twist and cheat the system on behalf of their dying ideology.
22
I agree. Why aren't FEDERAL elections held to the same exact standard in each and every state/territory? I fail to understand why, other than local elections, the state's are left to decide how they run the election in their state.
3
I still fail to see what keeps blacks..or whites from voting?? Just go vote!
7
I think you need to look into this a little more closely than you apparently have.
2
Perhaps they can't "just go vote" because they put just ONE polling place in the most rural area of eastern NC in the middle of 403 miles of nothingness! Let me guess - you are a Republican......
3
You fail to see because you are blind. If you have to go to work, it is often impossible to vote. I you have very young children, same problem. Only those with enough privilege to be able to take a day off and get paid vacation, or can arrive late for work, can vote during the week. You must live in a very protective bubble. Early voting, and weekend voting, is crucial to maximize voting. And really, there should be nothing partisan about encouraging MORE people to vote. Why do Republicans want to do whatever they can to disenfranchise people? Shouldn't the law be that both parties should maximize voting? And why isn't it a paid federal holiday to vote during a presidential election?
3
The Executive Director of the NC Republican Party writes: “Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?”
How, I may ask, does allowing MORE access to voting disadvantage Republican voters? The only way to hinder a vote is by restricting access, which is precisely what these Republican controlled election boards are trying to do.
How, I may ask, does allowing MORE access to voting disadvantage Republican voters? The only way to hinder a vote is by restricting access, which is precisely what these Republican controlled election boards are trying to do.
19
This is just bad, as someone has commented it's cheating. Has anyone got the will to change this subversion of democracy? This has got to be fixed.
3
Rebalancing between parties by suppressing a citizen's ability to vote is clearly undemocratic and needs to be outlawed with severe penalties for those who do the suppressing.
9
Anyone, and I mean ANYONE who tries to keep a fellow American from voting CANNOT be called a patriot.
12
So if you were asked to pay, say $100 in additional taxes, so that a polling officer could offer door-to-door service to anyone who wanted to vote from home, rather than be inconvenienced by having to get to a polling location, you would gladly pay that amount, and anyone unwilling to pay that amount would not be a patriot? What if that cost were $1000? And if we are using tax dollars to expand voting options (more polling places, more voting hours) and not raising taxes to pay for that, then we will need to reduce government spending, which may well hurt the same people we are trying to help by expanding their voting ability. In general principle, these issues are easy -- more voting is better -- but in the details they get difficult.
Can not think of anything worse to call some one.
1
Poll workers are unpaid volunteers, even in Texas. The extra cost to make sure that everyone who wants to vote, can, is well worth it. Certainly more worth it than the pork-laden boondoggles our state legislators prefer us to finance.
We are in this trouble over voting because we simply refused to do what would make it easier and stop all this argument.
Voting is on Tuesday immediately after the first Monday in November. We should declare this a national holiday and abolish early voting, Vote by mail should go back to what it always was -- you had to demonstrate you wouldn't be in town.
There is so much argument over early voting and it really deprives people of learning something about a candidate which doesn't pop up until late in the election cycle. Early voting is nothing but a scam and is expensive for some municipalities.
Abolishing early voting and making election day a national holiday would solve a lot of whining and complaining.
Voting is on Tuesday immediately after the first Monday in November. We should declare this a national holiday and abolish early voting, Vote by mail should go back to what it always was -- you had to demonstrate you wouldn't be in town.
There is so much argument over early voting and it really deprives people of learning something about a candidate which doesn't pop up until late in the election cycle. Early voting is nothing but a scam and is expensive for some municipalities.
Abolishing early voting and making election day a national holiday would solve a lot of whining and complaining.
9
Trump should be speaking against the Republican-backed plan against Sunday voting if he wants the support of the African-American minority. Once again the so called 'party of Lincoln' demonstrates its racist hypocrisy.
2
It will be interesting to see how the next generation is affected by those in leadership today.
What lessons are they learning that will clarify the meaning of "with liberty and justice for all" when they openly see violence against the unarmed, police sanctioned killings complete with high fives, political malfeasance, misogyny, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, mass shootings in schools, movie theaters and night clubs, etc., all on the heals of the first black president? Will they see any truth in their pledge? Will they rise to correct this nations decline and adopt a responsibility that too many adults have abdicated or will they too shirk their duties to build a better nation for all of us?
North Carolinians. Set the stage to #boycottnorthcarolina. Remember cash is king. Withhold it and show the nation how to rise.
What lessons are they learning that will clarify the meaning of "with liberty and justice for all" when they openly see violence against the unarmed, police sanctioned killings complete with high fives, political malfeasance, misogyny, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, mass shootings in schools, movie theaters and night clubs, etc., all on the heals of the first black president? Will they see any truth in their pledge? Will they rise to correct this nations decline and adopt a responsibility that too many adults have abdicated or will they too shirk their duties to build a better nation for all of us?
North Carolinians. Set the stage to #boycottnorthcarolina. Remember cash is king. Withhold it and show the nation how to rise.
2
Very sad, but very true.
1
It's a little hard for me, as a New Yorker, to criticize the voting mechanics of other states, when here in New York, we have no weekend voting, in fact, no early voting of any kind, no same day registration, along with inconvenient polling places staffed by incompetents. In short, nothing to make it easier for people who may be concentrating on putting food on their tables, to go out and vote.
Great story, New York Times, but how about an effort to put our own house in order as well.
Great story, New York Times, but how about an effort to put our own house in order as well.
7
"Democrats and voting-rights advocates call the cuts a conspiracy to depress black turnout. But Republican election officials deny that, citing religious objections to Sunday voting,..."
Which religions object? This violation of the Establishment Clause is shameful, as are the other excuses offered for reducing voting hours and days.
Which religions object? This violation of the Establishment Clause is shameful, as are the other excuses offered for reducing voting hours and days.
7
Shame on Chief Justice John Roberts who saw no systematic racial prejudice in America's polling process. I'd be interested in hearing his comments on this blatant attempt to suppress black voting in North Carolina. I'm sure he would turn a blind eye to it. After living for several years in exurban Charlotte, I am not surprised at the virulent racism that drives local election boards. Pillars of the church and community are still talking about how good the slaves had it on their great grandfather's estate. Demographics have turned against the white rural power base and they will do everything in their power to hold onto the reins of political power, maintaining white Republican majority control even in districts where they are outnumbered 2 to 1.
18
Republicans do not even try to pretend that these decisions are not crass partisanship and aimed at.o.
4
Now we are seeing the full effects of the Supreme Court's disastrous decision to strike down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act in 2013. As justification for this ruling, the majority suggested that racism was no longer a major issue in the South. Well, in answer to that, let me refer you to exhibit A: the North Carolina GOP.
I have lived in North Carolina for the past 13 years, and what's been going on here of late has made me ashamed of my home state to a degree I never thought possible (and I'm originally from Mississippi). I just can't wait to get to the ballot in November and vote these neo-segregationists out of office. And I know I'm not alone.
I have lived in North Carolina for the past 13 years, and what's been going on here of late has made me ashamed of my home state to a degree I never thought possible (and I'm originally from Mississippi). I just can't wait to get to the ballot in November and vote these neo-segregationists out of office. And I know I'm not alone.
8
The Supreme Court ruled that it was inappropriate, and no longer allowable, to use decades old specifications for federal supervision of state and local voting rules and procedures; and that the Congress, if it wished, could specify new ones, which it has not done.
And they claim to not be racists.
3
This is the most troubling - and contemptible - statement made in this story.
--
Politics is a contact sport, (Robin C. Hayes, the state Republican Party chairman) added, and no one should be surprised that Republicans and Democrats alike try to stage elections on terms that favor their party.
--
Politics is fundraising, silly speeches, bumper stickers and nauseating television commercials. You can use politics to win votes, but you should never believe the voting process is part of the political process. You can bore more to tears with empty promises, but don't get in my way when I go to vote.
--
Politics is a contact sport, (Robin C. Hayes, the state Republican Party chairman) added, and no one should be surprised that Republicans and Democrats alike try to stage elections on terms that favor their party.
--
Politics is fundraising, silly speeches, bumper stickers and nauseating television commercials. You can use politics to win votes, but you should never believe the voting process is part of the political process. You can bore more to tears with empty promises, but don't get in my way when I go to vote.
139
So - Trump's right ... the election IS rigged.
13
Can you say criminal conspiracy to deprive rights?
3
How backwards, jim crow, retro and regressive can these republicans be? White skin color New Yorker here who helped get out 2008 vote for Obama in this swing state. Now working hard to keep the PT Barnum, self-enriching con artist out of the White House. That would be t. Working to get the current governor out of power. There are many here living in the Triangle area fighting hard to move this state into (first) the 20th C, and then the 21st C. We discourage any tourist dollars based on this and HB2. Shame on the status quo. Shame on those in power in NC.
2
Politics is a (hawhaw) “contact sport” when Republicans lie, cheat and play dirty - anybody who complains is just a whiner. When Democrats fight back in any capacity though, that's vicious, mean and unfair (Trump's go-to word). There's nothing wrong or unjust Republicans can possibly do because their self interest is the ultimate good in this world. They're accorded every break and excuse while their enemies get lambasted for even the flimsiest manufactured transgressions. Invert everything that's happened politically in the USA since 2000 and imagine the Republican screams of bloody outrage at a stolen election, a terrorist threat ignored, a botched war predicated on lies and the vilest disrespect in this country's history to a president who was legitimately elected twice. It's hilarious to me they way they hold themselves up as the ultimate Americans when they behave like almost every enemy government the United States has ever faced.
4
Why are politicians and political parties making the election rules? There is something UNDEMOCRATIC about two political parties establishing the rules voters must follow.
There has to be some 100% independent mechanism that establishes fair rules that does not give one or the other party an unfair advantage. Perhaps we need independent international observers, like other dubious democracies, to monitor our elections for fairness. Any objection to observers is a good sign there is something wrong in our democratic system that it cannot withstand a bit of scrutiny.
There has to be some 100% independent mechanism that establishes fair rules that does not give one or the other party an unfair advantage. Perhaps we need independent international observers, like other dubious democracies, to monitor our elections for fairness. Any objection to observers is a good sign there is something wrong in our democratic system that it cannot withstand a bit of scrutiny.
1
This should also be applied to the creation of Congressional districts in all of the states. Allowing state legislatures to gerrymander for the advantage of either party is akin to voter suppression in that it makes the votes of voters in "minority" districts irrelevant. Republicans whine about too many rules and too much oversight by the federal government, but it is their cheating, un-American behaviors that has made federal-level regulation necessary.
The Republican Party is the party of the oppressor. The Republican Party is the party of the privileged minority. The Republican Party is all for equality and the American way as long as you look like them, talk like them, pray like them, think like them, and act like them. The Republican Party is the party of the failed American dream.
4
The job of our elected officers are to work for all of us. That means that when poling stations and voting rules are set up, they are politically neutral. It is shameful that Republicans are using their power to deny voting rights to us. The Federal Government needs to step in and take over from the "Jim Crows." Remember when you go to the polls it was a Republican dominated Supreme Court which invalidated the Civil Rights Act.
2
What is remarkable here is that the Republicans go so far as to admit that in order to give their party an advantage, they must make it more difficult to vote. By making it more difficult, their hope is that fewer people will vote. Only then can they win elections.
Effectively, then, Republicans recognize that they, by which we may infer their policy ideas, are less popular than Democrats'. So when they claim to speak for a majority of Americans, they are clearly lying, since they apparently already know that the more people vote, the less likely Republicans are to win.
Little else so clearly reveals the hypocrisy of the Republican Party. They espouse fervent adherence to the fundamental principles articulated by the founding fathers and expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Federalist Papers, but their actions reflect a disdain for principles of democracy and equality, let alone the republican principles of effective representation.
Effectively, then, Republicans recognize that they, by which we may infer their policy ideas, are less popular than Democrats'. So when they claim to speak for a majority of Americans, they are clearly lying, since they apparently already know that the more people vote, the less likely Republicans are to win.
Little else so clearly reveals the hypocrisy of the Republican Party. They espouse fervent adherence to the fundamental principles articulated by the founding fathers and expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Federalist Papers, but their actions reflect a disdain for principles of democracy and equality, let alone the republican principles of effective representation.
5
The CONservative "takeover" was about deception and manipulation of the system. It was not about the majority vote or the will of the people.
It's Almost Like Another Country Voted During The Midterm — One That Doesn't Really Look Like Us
http://www.upworthy.com/its-almost-like-another-country-voted-during-the...
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Voting (HBO) [YouTube]
http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/dxhtvk/suppressing-the-vote?mode=jqm
The Great Gerrymander of 2012, NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/opinion/sunday/the-great-gerrymander-o...
It's Almost Like Another Country Voted During The Midterm — One That Doesn't Really Look Like Us
http://www.upworthy.com/its-almost-like-another-country-voted-during-the...
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Voting (HBO) [YouTube]
http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/dxhtvk/suppressing-the-vote?mode=jqm
The Great Gerrymander of 2012, NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/opinion/sunday/the-great-gerrymander-o...
3
Same ol' GOP....If you don't have the votes, rig the system.
2
These are the same clowns who use words like freedom, democracy and patriotism rhetorically in all of their soundbites.
They don't understand the meaning of the words.
Enemies of the United States need not bother in their efforts to destroy the greatness of this nation. The GOP is doing the work for them,
They don't understand the meaning of the words.
Enemies of the United States need not bother in their efforts to destroy the greatness of this nation. The GOP is doing the work for them,
6
“Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?” Dallas Woodhouse, the executive director of North Carolina’s Republican Party, wrote this week...We are just attempting to rebalance the scales.”
The difference of course is that Democrats work to expand voting rights and Republicans do everything possible to suppress it.
The difference of course is that Democrats work to expand voting rights and Republicans do everything possible to suppress it.
3
What is it about this state? I liked visiting there about 15 years ago, but refuse to spend my money in North Carolina now. Too bad, it's a beautiful state. But there are other fair-minded beautiful states I would rather support with my tourism dollars.
3
Sniff Sniff, smell that? It's republican desperation. They know the party is over, and they are doing everything they can to cling to the last vestiges of their party. It's not going to work this time guys, and it hasn't since 2004. You are done.
1
If you can't win without cheating . . . .
AND, how is voter suppression, jury-rigging the process patriotic?
AND, how is voter suppression, jury-rigging the process patriotic?
1
White Southern Republican mantra: If y'all can't win on the merits of y'alls' policies, cheat.
3
This is not only in the South. Republicans in Wisconsin have tried their best to make voting difficult for the large black population in Milwaukee and I am sure other northern areas with significant minority populations.
Instead of whining and complaining why not be the solution? There are always going to be people who assume they are right and need to be in control. If you feel strongly that an injustice is being done then do something to overcome it such as drive people to the open and available voting spots.
6
And find you are not registered or you are a possible fraudulent voter? And now you are a trouble maker who does not know your place. Wake up the coffee is burning.
1
What a bunch of cowards. They live in America but fear American democracy.
37
Comments in the article that imply that giving people access to voting is purely for biased reasons shows a complete ignorance or disdain for voters. It is as if it is understood that they will rig the election and they wonder what's wrong with that.
8
'Mr. Patterson said he was puzzled by the way the rules had been written. “These are two very fine people that I’ve worked with on this board,” he said. “It’s just sad to say that I don’t know whatever is causing them to act this way.”
Yeah, it is just so difficult to imagine what might be causing them to act this way!
Yeah, it is just so difficult to imagine what might be causing them to act this way!
4
91% to 1% African American support between Clinton and Trump. And the Republicans wonder why.
10
Disenfranchisement is even worse than the discrimination against LGBTQ.
Boycott the state. Now.
Boycott the state. Now.
12
I live in NC and I wish people would boycott us!! Great idea.
1
Just another shameful link in the long chain of discouraging Black voters, that even more shamefully, will go unnoticed and unchanged.
5
"Curbing Black Vote... deliberately intended to discourage African-Americans from voting"?
Why not just call it what it is: discrimination! And an attack on democracy! You know, the quaint idea that each person gets to vote without intimidation or interference.
Why not just call it what it is: discrimination! And an attack on democracy! You know, the quaint idea that each person gets to vote without intimidation or interference.
8
Don't fool yourself, the ONLY way to stop this is to vote ONLY Democrat 2016.
Tell all you know to vote ONLY Democrat 2016.
Just another reason to vote ONLY Democrat 2016 and shove the Republican'ts and their ilk and bigotry and racism so far down that they will never recover and end up in the trash heap of history where they belong.
Tell all you know to vote ONLY Democrat 2016.
Just another reason to vote ONLY Democrat 2016 and shove the Republican'ts and their ilk and bigotry and racism so far down that they will never recover and end up in the trash heap of history where they belong.
8
In Australia it is compulsory for everyone over the age of 18 to vote in State and National elections. Failure to do so results in a fine. Failure to pay the fine results in eventual loss of driver's license and can impact credit history etc. Voting is easy. Geo to just about any high school on a Saturday (not a Tuesday like here). 99.5% voter turnout. Problem solved. The USA could learn a lot about voting and guns from Australia.
39
i believe oz still uses paper ballots, wo any major problems, such as chads and voter machine hacking
3
Australia probably also has a better system of education so the voters are relatively more aware of what is going on?
I spent the last 5 years in Sydney and could not agree more. Often tell Americans about voting requirements in Australia and say it would be fun to see a US politician introduce a bill with similar requirements and watch all the Republican heads exploding all over the land.
That's why we had a voting rights act. There was a time when only white, male property owners could vote.
7
I hope that the behavior of legislatures in North Carolina, Texas, and elsewhere will move the Supreme Court to rectify their error in allowing these counties to make rules about voting without certification under the Voting Rights Act. The Shelby case opened this Pandora's box and these counties have proven through their shameful and illegal behavior, reverting immediately back to Jim Crow era tactics, that they cannot be trusted. The so-called conservative legislators have already wasted untold tax dollars in litigating these illegal plans in federal courts, and the piecemeal response in those courts, here and in the 5th Circuit's disastrous remand to voting districts to rectify the legislature's mischief, is further undermining confidence in voting rights. We need a new comprehensive Voting Rights Act.
13
Why do New Yorkers condemn North Carolina for reducing early voting to 10 days when New York disallows early voting altogether? Why do New Yorkers portray North Carolina as racist for disallowing out-of-precinct voting and forbidding same-day registration when New York does the same?
5
Building the Research Triangle attempted to give North Carolina an air of respectability, but it simply put lipstick on a pig. Nine cities in North Carolina have active chapters of the KKK, beaten only by Mississippi (11) and Texas (18). Coincidence?
9
Wow, what a poorly informed comment! I'm a transplanted Yankee who has lived in NC for decades. It's a wonderful place even with all of the current problems. Come visit us in the RDU area.
Thanks for the invitation. I also lived there. RDU is the Research Triangle. It is a dollop of the North (and Europe) in the South.
When the when the governing deliberately rule without the consent of the governed, then I would think the 2nd Amendment would apply legally for their removal.
5
Really? Extending the franchise is the same as restricting the franchise?!?
2
Incredible. Republicans in this case OPENLY admit that they are trying to suppress the black vote, because it benefits democrats. What amazes me most about this is the absolute insanity of it. If republicans can say, with a straight face, that by expanding the ability and ease of voting that Democrats will get more votes, then they are ADMITTING that they have no right to govern.
5
This Saddens Me
No opinion piece about the governing of North Carolina should fail to focus attention on the disastrous impact of Raleigh businessman, Art Pope. Say what you want about Gov. Pat McCrory ... he does not rise above the level of being Pope's puppet.
I grew up in Western North Carolina at a time when the state had, far and away, the most veracious and effective government in the South ... there was no other southern state like it.
The payoff to the state for having leaders like Kerr Scott, Luther Hodges, Terry Stanford, maybe even Dan Moore and James Hunt, was that North Carolina was a beacon of progressiveness and economic, social, and educational success in the South and was considered to be something special even around most of the rest of the country ... and even though we kept sending Jesse Helms back to the Senate.
What has happened to North Carolina, however, during the past decade is an embarrassment to it's citizenry, an affront to its minorities, burdensome to its poor and destitute, and especially arduous for African-Americans ... and all for no good purpose. None of the new directions taken by Art Pope and his legions in Raleigh have benefitted the State at all ... not one tiny bit.
To get a sense of the lengths NC Republicans will go to subvert the rights of the citizens of their state, check out the configurations of their (now revised by court order) 1st, 4th, and 12th congressional districts ...
http://www.dailytarheel.com/multimedia/32008
No opinion piece about the governing of North Carolina should fail to focus attention on the disastrous impact of Raleigh businessman, Art Pope. Say what you want about Gov. Pat McCrory ... he does not rise above the level of being Pope's puppet.
I grew up in Western North Carolina at a time when the state had, far and away, the most veracious and effective government in the South ... there was no other southern state like it.
The payoff to the state for having leaders like Kerr Scott, Luther Hodges, Terry Stanford, maybe even Dan Moore and James Hunt, was that North Carolina was a beacon of progressiveness and economic, social, and educational success in the South and was considered to be something special even around most of the rest of the country ... and even though we kept sending Jesse Helms back to the Senate.
What has happened to North Carolina, however, during the past decade is an embarrassment to it's citizenry, an affront to its minorities, burdensome to its poor and destitute, and especially arduous for African-Americans ... and all for no good purpose. None of the new directions taken by Art Pope and his legions in Raleigh have benefitted the State at all ... not one tiny bit.
To get a sense of the lengths NC Republicans will go to subvert the rights of the citizens of their state, check out the configurations of their (now revised by court order) 1st, 4th, and 12th congressional districts ...
http://www.dailytarheel.com/multimedia/32008
17
The Republican Party, without better ideas or better candidates, has to rely on voter suppression to win. Sad and shameful beyond words, from a party that hollowly preaches morality, ethics, and personal responsibility. They have none.
5
"But Republican election officials deny that, citing religious objections to Sunday voting..."
Got a religious objection to voting on Sunday? then don't. But nobody can claim a religious to somebody _else_ voting on Sunday. This is laughable.
Got a religious objection to voting on Sunday? then don't. But nobody can claim a religious to somebody _else_ voting on Sunday. This is laughable.
12
Answer: weekend voting from Friday 3 pm until Monday 3pm. Those with disabilities scan request a ride by government or a friend such friend to be paid $15 per hour within two weeks.
1
Good lord..only 4! That's four states allow Sunday voting.
North Carolina-- what a disgusting place. Why would any democrat ever visit NC and spend tourist dollars there? Vote with your pocketbooks folks. The moral bankruptcy and racism of some 'publicans knows no bounds. Let me know when the 'publicans are out of power there. Oh, and thanks Supremes, care to re-visit the voting rights decision?
12
If this were an election in a former totalitarian country, which we were called in to monitor, we would cry foul so fast it would make your head spin. But within our own borders, we chalk it up to politics being "a contact sport." Really? The Justice Department should take over control of the elections in North Carolina, just as it took over control of the schools to force desegregation. This blatant racism cannot stand.
36
Perhaps the United States Attorney should throw a few of these folks into jail for disobeying the law?
8
This is voter fraud. Period.
3
Voter fraud and pure racism. Pathetic. Time for a federally mandated law which is actually ENFORCED that creates equal voting access for all citizens. Clearly, the rules can't be left up to states like NC as the lawmakers there have no belief whatsoever in equality and freedom for all!
Republicans in North Carolina are actively, cynically, trying to prevent fellow citizens from voting, whichis as anti-american as you can get. But unlike the 49ers Quarterback Colin Kapernick, they stand and put their Hands over their Hearts during the Anthem.
4
Critics say critics are at it again!
1
We moved to Florida a year ago. Need a gazillion pieces of documentation to get a Drivers License. (Guess Wisconsin was lax in letting us have a license). Original small town 1944 Illinois hospital birth certificate complete with footprints, and Champaign County Court documents on name change NO GOOD! What to do. They asked if there was a passport. Yes, but it was expired. No Problem. Here's your license! Guess what documents were used to get passport? Yup, documents refused by State of Florida. The Republican Party should be tried for Treason!
10
Bernie Sanders and Ralph Nader supporters should remember that the Voting Rights Act was gutted by the Supreme Court becoming Republican-controlled after Nader siphoned away votes from Gore. Hillary is far from an ideal candidate, but the only alternative is Trump.
4
It is actually worse than the article states. I voted in the Republican Primary US Representative runoff. They checked my ID with the voter registration list and printed a ballot. The number associated with my name was printed on the ballot and the ballot number recorded prior to me voting. I asked why the number tied my name to the ballot and I was told "to avoid voter fraud." So NOW it is ok to know how each individual votes so we can avoid voter fraud. How about individual privacy rights to vote????
3
What is it with republicans and their hatred of democracy?
3
North Carolina is the new South Carolina.
What an accomplishment!
What an accomplishment!
3
This is not surprising. The best solution, if possible, is to overcome every hardship the counties of N.C. is tossing to voters and vote to replace the Republican incumbents.
1) Make sure you're registered to vote.
2) Make sure you have photo identification - even though you legally don't need it - in case you counter an election official who "didn't get the memo".
3) If you have a car, offer a ride to your neighbors, relatives, colleagues and friends who do not. Ensure everyone gets out to vote. Get a group and split the cost of a bus charter; involve your churches.
4) Submit absentee ballot if necessary, but better to vote in person - even if you must take the day off.
5) Head for the polls as early as possible.
6) If you know of regular shenanigans at your polling place, advise the press in advance. File a complaint with the Justice Department in advance. Do all possible to ensure disreputable polling locations are monitored.
As difficult as the state of N.C. makes voting for its citizens, generations past endured these challenges and more (including threat to life). Do not waste their efforts nor settle for the state government holding you back.
1) Make sure you're registered to vote.
2) Make sure you have photo identification - even though you legally don't need it - in case you counter an election official who "didn't get the memo".
3) If you have a car, offer a ride to your neighbors, relatives, colleagues and friends who do not. Ensure everyone gets out to vote. Get a group and split the cost of a bus charter; involve your churches.
4) Submit absentee ballot if necessary, but better to vote in person - even if you must take the day off.
5) Head for the polls as early as possible.
6) If you know of regular shenanigans at your polling place, advise the press in advance. File a complaint with the Justice Department in advance. Do all possible to ensure disreputable polling locations are monitored.
As difficult as the state of N.C. makes voting for its citizens, generations past endured these challenges and more (including threat to life). Do not waste their efforts nor settle for the state government holding you back.
4
Paul Ryan in action.
5
The GOP is the champion of the free market, the idea of the self-regulating invisible hand of the market will provide for the consumer. The GOP believes that the market will provide for the consumer what is needed and that competition between companies is the best avenue to provide for the common good. In short, lots of companies competing, equals cheaper and/or better products for everyone. Think of what I just wrote and exchange consumer with voter, and reread the paragraph.
In capitalism, the ultimate goal of a company is to become a monopoly. That is the perfect position to be in. In an unregulated market a monopoly is the most likely end state of said market. Now of course many will say that a monopoly is inefficient and will eventually break up, to be replaced by many smaller and better companies fulfilling the same role.
The theory is sound, but he problem is when a monopoly is reinforced by law. If a company has the patent for a product that is needed by everyone it can enforce its terms on the consumer. We have this in business today, Microsoft Windows is a de facto monopoly. The alternatives to MS Windows are either too expensive, Apple, or too clunky, Linux.
In capitalism, the ultimate goal of a company is to become a monopoly. That is the perfect position to be in. In an unregulated market a monopoly is the most likely end state of said market. Now of course many will say that a monopoly is inefficient and will eventually break up, to be replaced by many smaller and better companies fulfilling the same role.
The theory is sound, but he problem is when a monopoly is reinforced by law. If a company has the patent for a product that is needed by everyone it can enforce its terms on the consumer. We have this in business today, Microsoft Windows is a de facto monopoly. The alternatives to MS Windows are either too expensive, Apple, or too clunky, Linux.
1
Look at Intel’s position in the CPU market, it is a duopoly. Here we have two companies that deliver the same product, but they compete in different segments of the market. What has developed is a very fierce rivalry between the different consumer groups. This rivalry shows itself often as extreme loyalty to one brand and the vilification of the other, this behavior is derisively called fanboyism/fangirlism.
These two examples are very similar to the American political scene. The duopoly of the Democrats and the Republicans, is held up by the mass media and voting laws in the USA. It effectively bars other parties from being viable. Therefore, most people will not vote for any third party, a term in itself which lamentable. It is understandable, why throw away your vote on an impotent party?
Partisans of each party having but one opponent vilify the opposition to the point of caricature. They attribute the opposing party with such fervor and zeal it becomes almost a sectarian. So why has this been allowed to happened?
In most western countries you will have a wide selections of parties who vie for political attention and the vote of the electorate. This means that most of these parties never have a majority of the vote, and as such have to cooperate with political friends to the left and the right.
These two examples are very similar to the American political scene. The duopoly of the Democrats and the Republicans, is held up by the mass media and voting laws in the USA. It effectively bars other parties from being viable. Therefore, most people will not vote for any third party, a term in itself which lamentable. It is understandable, why throw away your vote on an impotent party?
Partisans of each party having but one opponent vilify the opposition to the point of caricature. They attribute the opposing party with such fervor and zeal it becomes almost a sectarian. So why has this been allowed to happened?
In most western countries you will have a wide selections of parties who vie for political attention and the vote of the electorate. This means that most of these parties never have a majority of the vote, and as such have to cooperate with political friends to the left and the right.
1
This ensures that the parties have to keep a civil tone, they have to stay focused on their message. It ensures that no one party becomes dominant or too powerful. It defuses power and it prevents any one party to become too powerful.
Both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, contain within them, groupings, which in other democracies is an individual political entity. These groupings could break away from the mother party and instead form their own political parties, and in so force cooperation through diversity, like a melting pot. Of course they never will because it diminishes their political power.
Some will say that it is good to have a majority party with lots of political power, “It get things done!” is the common mantra, and belief. Yes, they may get things done, but the other adage of “Power corrupts” is also at play here. When you start using the law to affect the outcome of an election that is corruption. It is vote rigging, or just simply rigging the system. Communist states consider themselves democratic too, it is just that there is only one party allowed to operate in those states.
And that is the end state of a democratic system when you rig the system for your own party. Political monopoly, the dream state of the unregulated market zealot. Of course it won’t last forever, nothing ever does, but unlike in when a business monopoly is broken up, the breakup of a political monopoly is seldom a pretty sight, and it is a messy business!
Both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, contain within them, groupings, which in other democracies is an individual political entity. These groupings could break away from the mother party and instead form their own political parties, and in so force cooperation through diversity, like a melting pot. Of course they never will because it diminishes their political power.
Some will say that it is good to have a majority party with lots of political power, “It get things done!” is the common mantra, and belief. Yes, they may get things done, but the other adage of “Power corrupts” is also at play here. When you start using the law to affect the outcome of an election that is corruption. It is vote rigging, or just simply rigging the system. Communist states consider themselves democratic too, it is just that there is only one party allowed to operate in those states.
And that is the end state of a democratic system when you rig the system for your own party. Political monopoly, the dream state of the unregulated market zealot. Of course it won’t last forever, nothing ever does, but unlike in when a business monopoly is broken up, the breakup of a political monopoly is seldom a pretty sight, and it is a messy business!
1
What about religious precepts about treating others as we want to be treated? Would the GOP in North Carolina like it if their districts voters were told that their voting traditions weren't worth respecting? All of sudden they NEED to give election workers a day off when employees must work on the Tuesday that is an election day? This sounds like Jim Crow laws under another name. Furthermore, if this is their idea of fairness they'd better understand that every person who they block from voting will feel, and rightly, that their vote means nothing and that if they couldn't vote they will not support the GOP no matter what they do in the future.
If you want people to support you why block their votes? Just because they're African American doesn't mean that they are all Democrats. But doing these sorts of things will make them Democrats which is, on the face of it, exactly what the GOP doesn't want. Even though I don't live in the South I am disgusted at this attempt to squash the vote, no matter who wins if we're of age to vote and legal citizens, we should be able to vote. Otherwise it's not a fair election: it's a joke.
If you want people to support you why block their votes? Just because they're African American doesn't mean that they are all Democrats. But doing these sorts of things will make them Democrats which is, on the face of it, exactly what the GOP doesn't want. Even though I don't live in the South I am disgusted at this attempt to squash the vote, no matter who wins if we're of age to vote and legal citizens, we should be able to vote. Otherwise it's not a fair election: it's a joke.
2
A NYT's article dated August 16, 2915 connoted the GOP winner take all mentality, and that the Democrats would do the same thing if the shoe was on the other foot.
Just imagine a group of old white guys, being turned down to vote, who had to just taken a Greyhound bus 400 miles, who couldn't produce their now antique college IDs, to vote at their polling place, and being told that they can't vote on Sunday any more.
This really isn't only about subtle, Republican v Democrat "winner take all" voting rights, being fomented by our billionaire oligarchs, who are funding this stuff via their dark money.
This is about the 21st century reinstatement of bigotry, and 19th and 20th century Jim Crow, under the guise of "potential voter fraud", which should have no place in what is left of our democracy.
Just imagine a group of old white guys, being turned down to vote, who had to just taken a Greyhound bus 400 miles, who couldn't produce their now antique college IDs, to vote at their polling place, and being told that they can't vote on Sunday any more.
This really isn't only about subtle, Republican v Democrat "winner take all" voting rights, being fomented by our billionaire oligarchs, who are funding this stuff via their dark money.
This is about the 21st century reinstatement of bigotry, and 19th and 20th century Jim Crow, under the guise of "potential voter fraud", which should have no place in what is left of our democracy.
13
Outrageous. Shameful. How do these local hacks face their children? We need a standardized system of voting across the whole USA. Everyone who wants to vote should be able to do so easily and conveniently.
16
You also cannot argue with gerrymandered voting districts, voting restriction laws (ie voting ID laws), and a fickle low information electorate that incredibly put a bunch of gleeful stalwart GOP obstructionists in power not once but twice since 2010. The GOP has turned stealing elections into an art form.
8
I find it fascinating that New Yorkers think North Carolina discriminates against blacks because we only offer ten days of early voting. How many days does New York offer?
Registration on Sunday? Do you do that in New York? If you don't, how is it discriminatory in North Carolina but not discriminatory in New York?
North Carolina has fairly liberal rules for voting that apply to everyone: ten days of early voting, registration via mail at any time up to 25 days before the election you wish to vote in, and absentee ballots that any voter can get, just for the asking. Unlike New York, we do not need to justify our request with the Board of Elections.
And you think *we* discriminate?
Registration on Sunday? Do you do that in New York? If you don't, how is it discriminatory in North Carolina but not discriminatory in New York?
North Carolina has fairly liberal rules for voting that apply to everyone: ten days of early voting, registration via mail at any time up to 25 days before the election you wish to vote in, and absentee ballots that any voter can get, just for the asking. Unlike New York, we do not need to justify our request with the Board of Elections.
And you think *we* discriminate?
New York simply has a different socio-economic makeup than North Carolina. Changes in early voting for instance has a profoundly different effect on the number of voters in NC who are disenfranchised.
1
"New Yorkers think...?" The world knows what North Carolina is doing. None of the apologisms you offered counter what the article said. Southerners always, always attempt to find some means to dispute what is blatant racism.
2
My goodness, did you just play the race card on me, John? I win. Whenever the conversation is getting painfully close to the truth, people with no other answer resort to the race card, as you just did. Your hope is that I will change the subject from NC voter law compared to NY voter law and defend myself against the racism charge. Or even better, just to slink away. Well, it didn't work.
I am more convinced than ever that the New Yorkers who look down their noses at North Carolina voter law are hypocrites of the worst order. North Carolina offers numerous more opportunities to register and to vote than New York does, and we offer these opportunities to every citizen. New York offers one day to vote, and you'd better have a very good reason to ask for an absentee ballot. Not so here: you ask, you get, and nobody asks why. Unlike New York.
The truth is, if North Carolina were to adopt New York voter laws in toto, we would become much more restrictive than we are now. And then the party in power could refuse to issue absentee ballots to members of the minority party like you do, just because *you* don't like their reason for the request.
I am more convinced than ever that the New Yorkers who look down their noses at North Carolina voter law are hypocrites of the worst order. North Carolina offers numerous more opportunities to register and to vote than New York does, and we offer these opportunities to every citizen. New York offers one day to vote, and you'd better have a very good reason to ask for an absentee ballot. Not so here: you ask, you get, and nobody asks why. Unlike New York.
The truth is, if North Carolina were to adopt New York voter laws in toto, we would become much more restrictive than we are now. And then the party in power could refuse to issue absentee ballots to members of the minority party like you do, just because *you* don't like their reason for the request.
"We want them to vote Republican" -- Robin Hayes, Republican Party Chairman
Yeah. That'll convince them to vote Republican. You obviously are looking out for their best interests by letting them get to that "single polling place."
Yeah. That'll convince them to vote Republican. You obviously are looking out for their best interests by letting them get to that "single polling place."
5
This is how democracy dies. But the modern GOP cares not. As long as they hold onto power during their lives, they don't care if democracy dies after they do.
10
If find the brazenness with which the Republicans are explicitly trying to prevent people from voting and tilt the scales toward the own party just remarkable. Its not surprising that they are doing it, but that they admit it and don't see the immorality, the un-Americanness, of it is shocking.
13
Not only don't they see the immorality of it, but they openly boast about their effectiveness. It is hard to see the difference between them and evil.
4
John Roberts and his SCOTUS cronies practically invited this kind of cheating when they gutted the Civil Rights Act.
33
The ugly legacy of Jesse Helms endures in
North Carolina. How long can the evils of racism persists?. Republicans in Congress
are skirting the laws to continue the disenfranchisement of black voters. The blood of those who fought for equality will be on their hands.
North Carolina. How long can the evils of racism persists?. Republicans in Congress
are skirting the laws to continue the disenfranchisement of black voters. The blood of those who fought for equality will be on their hands.
8
Equally cut voting places and times the polls are open in heavy Republican areas around the state.
Then we'll call it even.
Then we'll call it even.
9
The situation in N. C. is only the beginning. Readers who are appalled by GOP gerrymandering and voter suppression, need to look into the Republican plan to alter the electoral college in its favor. Put simply, Republicans would eliminate the system of "winner take all," which assigns electoral votes according to popular vote. Instead votes would be tied to congressional districts ( as is seen in Maine and Nebraska), effectively discounting heavy population centers. Candidates wouldn't win by getting the most votes, but by winning key districts --districts that have already been redrawn to favor the GOP. Naturally, these reforms would only take place in states that vote Democratic in presidential elections, or swing states. No such changes are planned for the red states. Significiantly when these plans were advanced in 2013, it was only Republican certainty that they would achieve victory in 2016 that put this strategy to rest. If Clinton wins in November, Republicans will almost certainly return to their plan of rigging the electoral college.
4
“Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?” Dallas Woodhouse, the executive director of North Carolina’s Republican Party, wrote this week, referring to the days when the statehouse was in Democratic hands. “We are just a
ttempting to rebalance the scales.”
-false equivalency. In only one of the cases is a party attempting to restrict something. The ability to vote is a public good in which more is better. Transparent!
ttempting to rebalance the scales.”
-false equivalency. In only one of the cases is a party attempting to restrict something. The ability to vote is a public good in which more is better. Transparent!
4
We need a federal law that requires voting to take place on a weekend day when the 95% of our population of working people can get to the polls at a reasonable hour and not have to go before 7am or after they've worked an entire day and are exhausted and hungry. Either that or Election Day should be a holiday, literally a secular "holy day." This Tuesday voting is from an agricultural century when farmers came to town midweek. Talk about outdated and now anti-voter laws!
But Americans have also become voter slugs and think that democracy is their heritage without having to do anything. Folks: you've been losing your role in government at an accelerating rate because you don't read and you don't show up at the polls unless you are angry about some single issue. Democracy requires voting at every opportunity.
But Americans have also become voter slugs and think that democracy is their heritage without having to do anything. Folks: you've been losing your role in government at an accelerating rate because you don't read and you don't show up at the polls unless you are angry about some single issue. Democracy requires voting at every opportunity.
2
This is a call-out to every group that the GOP has attempted to make their lives difficult or miserable to go out and vote wherever you live. I would include in this group: women, blacks and latinos; all immigrant communities; those who believe in science and global warming; lgbt americans and their loved ones; union members; those who seek more government support of education, health, a clean environment, rebuilding of our infrastructure; those who oppose Citizens United; etc. etc.
I am going to volunteer to help get out the vote in any way I can.
I am going to volunteer to help get out the vote in any way I can.
9
They just cannot let go of their hate, can they? Well, in truth, this country has always been a bit of a lie. With the words " We the people ...yada yada .. " a country of equality and freedom for all was promised. Yet these words were penned by a man who owned 200 slaves. Even women were excluded from voting until they fought for it over one hundred years later. A land of Promise. " A pocket full of mumbles, such are promises".
2
With hundreds of millions of campaign contributions, surely the DNC can afford to: a) help every potential voter get proper ID if necessary. And b) help voters in rural areas get to a polling place.
3
Look at us in this country. Are we back to a Jim Crow South? Shame on the Republicans! They tried this in Texas too. It just never ends...
5
I don't care if it's Dems or Repubs - make it as easy and convenient as possible for ALL Americans to vote. I don't want to hear one more disparaging word about low voter turnout until you fix this. Ideally, with National Voting Standards. This is dispicable.
3
Boycott North Carolina
5
Why is this issue almost always framed as a Democrat v. Republican issue? If one believes that a central tenant of democracy is representation, the matter of negatively impacting voter turnout is merely an anti-democratic action, while increasing voter turnout is not favoring one party over another but rather the action is embracing the view that every vote matters no matter who it is cast for or what party it favors.
Either we strive to be a better democracy or we opt to continue to undermine the same Constitution that so many politicians claim to hold as dear and true. Whatever we decide let's at least just be honest and call a spade a spade!
Either we strive to be a better democracy or we opt to continue to undermine the same Constitution that so many politicians claim to hold as dear and true. Whatever we decide let's at least just be honest and call a spade a spade!
3
Donald Trump was right about one thing.... There will be efforts to fix the election. Unfortunately his electoral paranoia, like his policies, are abysmally misinformed and bordering the obscene. Republicans and Russian hackers are diligently pursuing efforts to restrict and repress one of the most fundamental aspects of our democracy: voting....citing religious objection to Sunday voting, a blossoming tradition in Black churches (irony), North Carolina republicans, as well as others around the country, are and have been attempting to neuter our democracy. These are the last gasps of a dinosauric political party on the verge of extinction. Scratching. Clawing. Convulsing. Doing anything within their power to delay the inevitable even if it is antithetical to the lofty idealism contained within the mythology of American democracy. Remove the veil. Deconstruct the hyperbole. See the truth that resides behind the fiction. And you will see these petrified cowards for what they are: hypocritical saboteurs, determined to preserve their waking fallacy, subconsciously aware of the absurdity of their convictions, and assuredly relegated to the dustbin of history; where they will be a side-note and reminder of a reviled opposition to the evolution and progress of mankind.
5
It's just so exhausting reading about these bigoted and aggressive measures by Republican led states to reduce Black voting. And they wonder why their presidential candidate, with his many rude and bigoted statements, is polling in some places at zero support from minorities. Maybe if he came out and told his party to stop disenfranchising Black voters, he might gain some of their support. These Republicans all claim to be Christian and to believe in a judgment day--but one wonders when they will start acting like they think that the judgment will include a full review of their actions while here on Earth. We might ask them whose voting hours Jesus would cut. When you see the behavior described in this column, the selfish, boorish and completely ungenerous national nominee seems the perfect representative for their party.
12
Appalling how NC GOP officials are saying in effect: "It is our duty to get our people elected and if it makes it difficult (or better unlikely) for the other side to cast a ballot in this "freedom loving" and "constitution abiding" glorious state of this "exceptional" United States of America, well, that's just how things are done down here, y'all".
7
Let me get this straight: the Republican argument is that one side's working to suppress the vote, and the other side's working to get out the vote, so both sides are equally sinful.
This is nuts.
This is nuts.
28
Instead of civilly suing N. Carolina it would be helpful if the Justice Department charged the individuals putting these rules in place with the deprivation of the civil rights of those affected, to wit, impeding their rights to vote.
I could care less if they win the case but just get it out there. If Robin C. Hayes, the GOP Chairman there, believes politics is "a contact sport, as Hayes is quoted, then Hayes should have the pleasure of encountering the real 800 lb. gorilla in the room.
Perhaps then the next GOP official seeking to abridge voters' rights will think twice about schemes to defraud voters. As it's the GOP we're talking about I doubt it, but it sure would push back on behalf of those unlucky enough to live in a repressive state.
I could care less if they win the case but just get it out there. If Robin C. Hayes, the GOP Chairman there, believes politics is "a contact sport, as Hayes is quoted, then Hayes should have the pleasure of encountering the real 800 lb. gorilla in the room.
Perhaps then the next GOP official seeking to abridge voters' rights will think twice about schemes to defraud voters. As it's the GOP we're talking about I doubt it, but it sure would push back on behalf of those unlucky enough to live in a repressive state.
7
Perhaps it's time to send in federal troops to enforce the law as was necessary in the Confederacy in the 1960's to integrate schools. Reconstruction for the modern age, for real. End the unCivil War once and for all. Bring back Sherman, burn the place to the ground if necessary. These seditious election shenanigans must stop and the officials responsible must be held accountable. Either that or re-secede or eliminate the 15th Amendment to the Constitution. (Only the 2nd really matters anyway. Less for Trump to memorize.)
Sarcasm aside, this is a national disgrace and you know it! And there's no political equivalency here. One political party is all about white supremacy which must be very appealing to some particularly if they have no conscience.
Sarcasm aside, this is a national disgrace and you know it! And there's no political equivalency here. One political party is all about white supremacy which must be very appealing to some particularly if they have no conscience.
1
Since the General Assembly has a "super majority" due to heavy gerrymandering and McCrory , who is just following their orders, our State continues to go down hill. They never admit they are wrong, rather they double down. We have been fighting this new voter regulations for years and finally we thought we had closure, only to find out that the Republicans are still pushing the limits. Instead of having a more inclusive party that would welcome the more diverse population they continue to just stick to the script of suppressing the vote. Shame on them. McCrory will be gone next November, but we will still have to deal with the likes of Berger and Moore in the general assembly.
1
Pat McCrory's days as governor are numbered. His able opponent, Roy Cooper, is now ahead in the polls. It is becoming increasingly likely that Deborah Ross will defeat Richard Burr -- an outcome that will move the Senate one seat closer to a new Democratic majority. But first all eligible North Carolinians need to be able to vote as the law intends and allows.
Thanks for bringing the Republicans' shameless voter suppressing shenanigans to light!! Keep shining that light and help us restore sanity to the governance of our beloved State.
Thanks for bringing the Republicans' shameless voter suppressing shenanigans to light!! Keep shining that light and help us restore sanity to the governance of our beloved State.
4
It is a sad day when the Republicans openly admit that in a fair election they would lose the majority of voters and rather than change, they try to rig the elections.
2
It is time for the federal government to control federal elections, or at least set minimum standards. It's absolutely absurd that these 19th century games are being played in 2016.
3
Democrats controlling board of elections in North Carolina for over 100 years.....Goooooooooooooooooooooood!
Republicans controlling board of elections in North Carolina for 4 years......Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!
Republicans controlling board of elections in North Carolina for 4 years......Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!
American's trying to prevent other American's from exercising their democratic right to vote is about as Un-American as it is possible to be. History will judge these bigots harshly.
2
When I went to college in North Carolina in the late 80's the voters at my college were overwhelmingly democratic while the rest of the precinct was overwhelmingly republican. When it came time to vote, the precinct at the college was given so few voting machines that it took several hours or more for an individual to vote. It was obvious what had happened. Doesn't look like much has changed.
4
If you can't win fair, cheat. What a joke this party of my past has become. I'm ashamed I ever supported Republicans in my earlier years. Until my last dying breath, I will never ever support another Republican for anything, Ever!
3
Isn't it shameful that in a democracy, and the U.S. claims to be a beacon for it, one of the major parties (republican) is intent in suppressing the vote? This is hypocrisy squared, as the G.O.P. is persistent in favoring the 'rich and powerful', and acting tribal in demeaning 'the other' (black, latino, etc). Quite frankly, in a diverse society as this, those trying to exclude rather than embrace our differences, ought to be defeated and sent home to sulk on their despicable discrimination. This is abhorrent, and ought not be allowed.
3
Any minority, black, or woman voting GOP is either a masochist or a sadist.
5
What these Republicans are doing is un-American, and it's Secession 2.0. They will keep at it - cheating, lying and stealing their way into power and position until we say ENOUGH and take definitive action to not only stop them, but to permanently deter them.
Disgusting and terrible people, to quote their party leader, Trump.
Disgusting and terrible people, to quote their party leader, Trump.
4
Next up: Tarheel GOP blames 'outside agitators' for 'all this ruckus.'
Are you listening, Chief Justice Roberts? Progress, my patout.
Are you listening, Chief Justice Roberts? Progress, my patout.
7
Tell me, which "sport" is it that it's fair for one side to win by preventing the other side from playing?
315
Most of 'em. That's the bedrock definition of competitive advantage = forfeit.
Boxing?
If we are using the term "sport" metaphorically. Politics?
As a North Carolina resident, I find the arrogance and far right leanings of the Republican legislators very troubling. They have managed to damage the reputation of a Southern state that was prized for being tolerant and inclusive. Instead, Republicans here have shown nothing but belligerence for minorities and disregard for voters' rights. The unfair gerrymandering, extreme HB2 transgender bill, and restrictive voting legislation are classic examples of a legislature and governor that want to return North Carolina to the Jim Crow days. They don't even seem to care that their regressive actions are damaging not just the reputation of the state but its economy. It will take ordinary citizens to protest and vote them out, as well as the courts to protect the rights of the state's people.
229
This is absolutely right. I used to think NC was a not-too-bad Southern state like say Georgia, now i think it is a poster example of hatefulness and violation of rights.
Exactly. And that is why the Republicans are trying to keep Democrats from voting.
Hopefully this behavior will be enough to put North Carolina's election laws back under the supervision of the DOJ, which (sadly) is where they still belong...
4
also, how and why do Republicans control all the election boards? why isn't this strictly nonpartisan, like the IRS or a fire department, in its fairness and equal treatment?
1
Until this heinousness is prosecuted out of existence, the US should remove itself from monitoring elections in other nations.
3
Republican has Trumpatized themselves. They have become bold to legislate the law for themselves (not for Americans), cherry picking court rulings to suit them(not for Americans) and anything else they(poor souls) have to do to have good life to steal from Americans.
How is this not undermining our Democracy ? If you don't respect rule of law than what basis do we have to work with each other ?
This more than treason.
How is this not undermining our Democracy ? If you don't respect rule of law than what basis do we have to work with each other ?
This more than treason.
3
See: The Republicans were right: voter fraud!!! Oh, it's by Republicans. Who would be more familiar with fraud than the fraudsters...
4
The same people who abuse their power are the first to object that federal involvement is overreach. Republican's do not want the poor and working class to vote because they know their platform is designed against the needs of these groups. If politics is a contact sport don't be surprised if the are more officials called to the field to referee.
3
Equal protection of the law obviously begins with one equal national election law for everyone.
7
One thing that can be said with certainty is this is anti-democratic.
7
While the one day early voting in a strange location is questionable, it's still one more day of early voting than New York. I suggest the hometown NYT not throw stones.
2
I never have any trouble voting on election day in New York. There are plenty of polling places and they are open from early morning to late evening. I know of no effort by either party to limit voting in anyway: quite to the contrary. And, you can vote early by absentee ballot.
Clearly, federal oversight to changes in voting laws in the south that the Supreme Court vacated needs to be reinstated. We are not anywhere near the point when African Americans have equal rights and protections to vote, especially in the south.
5
This is another issue that most media grants a false equivalency. One party believes that to win, it must suppress the voting rights of its opposition. The other does not.
It's also a reminder that the Supreme Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act was every bit as destructive toward our democracy as Citizens United.
It's also a reminder that the Supreme Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act was every bit as destructive toward our democracy as Citizens United.
13
This is a shining example of the primary difference between the Democrats and the Republicans.
Democrats fight for the rights of everyone, including Republicans.
Republicans only fight for themselves.
Democrats fight for the rights of everyone, including Republicans.
Republicans only fight for themselves.
21
It is time for us to have a federal holiday to vote. It is time for the Federal government and the courts to set up the same voting requirements and days to vote and hours nationally so all elections are fair and the same. The right to vote should be easy. People should be registered automatically and have to decide not to be registered as it is in most democracies. Republicans have been trying to squash the voting rights of minorities for a long time. It is time for them to realize it won't work and will eventually hurt them.
284
Sue Azia, the GOP doesn't want a federal holiday to vote or the same voting requirements put in place throughout the country. And they definitely do not want people automatically registered to vote because it might mean that too many people who won't vote for their candidates will be able to vote. They prefer to continue spreading the lie that illegal immigrants are voting, that illegal immigrants are registering to vote, and that every close election where a Democrat wins is an example of how illegal immigrants are influencing the election. The inconvenient fact that most, if not all, illegal immigrants do not want to call attention to themselves means nothing.
The GOP, if it had its way, would like to return to the days when there were slaves, women were barefoot and pregnant, gays were hated, welfare didn't exist, and only the gentry could vote. Of course a good many of them wouldn't be able to vote or would be considered aliens but that doesn't matter. All that matters is limiting the votes of people who disagree with the GOP.
The GOP, if it had its way, would like to return to the days when there were slaves, women were barefoot and pregnant, gays were hated, welfare didn't exist, and only the gentry could vote. Of course a good many of them wouldn't be able to vote or would be considered aliens but that doesn't matter. All that matters is limiting the votes of people who disagree with the GOP.
You'd need a Constitutional Amendment to put elections under Federal control.
I agree. I grew up in pre-artisinal Brooklyn and cast my first vote there. It seemed like everyone got at least a half day off to go vote and schools were closed. I remember Election Day as a holiday and I remember having the day off from work. It worked pretty well.
1
Why is the Democratic Party not wielding the patriot card. When I see the GOP denying anyone the right to vote, I wonder what our forefathers fought and died for? They must be turning over in their graves to think the system is being rigged by the GOP ... again! Let's be clear - it is un-American to deny voting rights.
203
I appreciate the idealism contained within your sentiments, and I agree with you. But the historical fallacy of universal voting rights imbedded in American political mythology (our forefathers fought and died for) is historically invalid. These were rich, white, landowning men whom had every incentive to prepress universal voting rights because it threatened their political hegemony.
1
Not to be glib, but as a matter of historical accuracy, the founders of this nation fought for landed white men to have the vote. If anything would shock them, it would be that the franchise has been extended so widely.
What Republicans are doing is consistent with what the founders did - limit the vote to people they think deserve it, which is to say people like themselves.
What Republicans are doing is consistent with what the founders did - limit the vote to people they think deserve it, which is to say people like themselves.
It is also unAmerican to try to undermine the national government which the party of Trump has been attempting to do for a very long time. They are planning to make Medicare a voucher system and privatize social security if they can get the orange menace elected. They have defunded public education to our great national detriment, destroyed much of the social safety net, and placed corporations and the super rich way ahead of the rest of us. How anyone could vote republican is astounding.
I'm stunned. The Dallas Woodhouse memo is a call to the people that
run the elections in North Carolina to suppress the black vote. And why do only republicans run the board of elections in that state? Candidates and parties advocating for their election is one thing but to take it to the voting process itself is so disturbing. I know that this has been going on all over the country for many election cycles but when the evidence is exposed like it is here , it takes my breath away, they want to cheat to win. When Donald Trump asks black Americans what they have to lose by voting for him, well, we can start with their right to vote.
run the elections in North Carolina to suppress the black vote. And why do only republicans run the board of elections in that state? Candidates and parties advocating for their election is one thing but to take it to the voting process itself is so disturbing. I know that this has been going on all over the country for many election cycles but when the evidence is exposed like it is here , it takes my breath away, they want to cheat to win. When Donald Trump asks black Americans what they have to lose by voting for him, well, we can start with their right to vote.
4
They have forgotten the meaning of "public service." They have been consumed by partisanship, rather then devotion to the greater good and honesty.
4
If this were happening in another country, we would be calling on the UN to oversee the election.
4
Is it ironic or cynical that the party known for whining loudly about (non-existent) voter fraud is engaged in widespread commission of voter fraud?
9
Of the 101 things Trump could do to convince Blacks he would be good for them is for Trump to renounce his parties' policy in this state and others of trying to make it as legally hard as possible for Blacks to vote...
Followed by Trump's disavowing of his party's being against every major decision to help Americans and Blacks, ie unions, SS, Medicare, Medicaid, Civil Rights bill, Voting Rights bill etc. etc.
(Technical point...for all intensive purposes the southern democratic party was the new Republican party from 1930-1965...)
Followed by Trump's disavowing of his party's being against every major decision to help Americans and Blacks, ie unions, SS, Medicare, Medicaid, Civil Rights bill, Voting Rights bill etc. etc.
(Technical point...for all intensive purposes the southern democratic party was the new Republican party from 1930-1965...)
3
You hear over and over these days handwringing about the lack of GOP outreach to minority voters. You hear trump ask black voters what do you have to lose by supporting him. The answer is your vote and your dignity and your equality. That's what minority voters have to lose by supporting the GOP.
8
And wondering how the Russian hack of voter registration databases in IL and AZ (successful in IL, though not apparently in AZ) is going to play out in this year's election. We truly are becoming a banana republic.
2
So sorry that blacks, although they are capable of getting drivers licenses with pictures, are for whatever reason, are unable to get voter ID cards with required pictures. Black people manage to make it to the Social security offices, MVBs, hospitals, welfare offices, etc. Why can't they make it to a voter registration location? In New Mexico, one of the poorest states in the US they have photo IDs to vote and somehow people manage to get registered.
1
Wow.
I dunno what's worse: the cheerful chanting of the word, "blacks," or your charming assertion that all they ever do is boogie on down to the welfare office or the jail.
Gee, thought that it was OK to still use the word black when referring to African Americans as in Black Lives Matter. Also, you missed out on my use of the destinations, DMV, hospitals, Social Security Offices as well as welfare offices.
1
Seems typical. There is certainly some truth to the statement that both Democrats and Republicans will jigger the system to help themselves. But, as in almost every other issue, Democrats are for expanded opportunity and Republicans somehow always manage, coincidentally I'm sure, to end up the side of restriction.
Voting is a right, not a privilege. People should have every possible opportunity to exercise that privilege.
Voting is a right, not a privilege. People should have every possible opportunity to exercise that privilege.
7
Balancing the scales? Seriously ? Absolute chutzpah. This is an attempt to control an outcome you might not like. Period.
7
Chief Justice Roberts, what were you saying about there not being a race problem in this country? I hope that gets engraved on the bottom of your tombstone so you can reflect on it through eternity.
10
The United States keeps pretending to be a democracy. First you have to own property to vote. And be male and white. Then male. Now they work to cleverly exclude the poor and non-white? All that bragging of democracy in textbooks in school turns out to ring false.
7
the conservative members of the United States Supreme Court should hang their heads in shame for gutting the Voting Rights Act in 2013 (Shelby vs. Holder).
So much for Chief Justice Roberts wisdom and his written statement at that time:
“Our country has changed. While any racial discrimination in voting is too much, Congress must ensure that the legislation it passes to remedy that problem speaks to current conditions.”
So much for Chief Justice Roberts wisdom and his written statement at that time:
“Our country has changed. While any racial discrimination in voting is too much, Congress must ensure that the legislation it passes to remedy that problem speaks to current conditions.”
19
Blatant voter suppression is one of the most un-democratic actions in this country. All states need to follow California where everyone that shows up at the DMV to get a new or renewal license is automatically registered to vote upon proof of citizenship. Then you can choose to vote entirely by mail in the comfort of your home with feet propped up. No need to go anywhere. Problem solved.
7
the good people of North Carolina just need to take a deep breath; get organized, disciplined, and focused; and vote calmly, quickly, and enthusiastically for Democrats in MASSIVE numbers
7
if you can't win on the merits of your argument, cheat. It's truly sad and explains why people detest politicians so much.
7
RE: county seat of a largely rural eastern North Carolina county that sprawls over 403 square miles. ......... the election plan limits voting to a single weekend day, and on weekdays demands that residents, including those who are poor and do not own cars, make long trips to cast a ballot.
Will someone PLEASE explain what the Democrats are whining about?
I live in a rural county of 2,532 sq miles - over 6 times bigger than the one they are wailing about.
It is a round trip of
* 40 miles to a grocery store
* 15 or 24 miles to a gas station
* 35 miles to the only 'fast food' in the county - a Subway
* 15 or 18 miles to the next closest small villages
(only 3 miles to 40 miles of sugar sand beach on Lake MI - the only "plus")
In rural areas there are NO buses or taxis.
You can NOT live in these places without a car - at least not if you want to be able to buy food. A car - or a neighbor who will drive you (& good luck on that idea all the time) - is a "must."
If by some very very low odds (like 1 in 500) a person doesn't have a car in a rural area, then they have someone who regularly takes them to the store or work (& odds are they don't have a job because they don't have a car!)
I have never - in 6 decades - lived in any state where election polls were open more than 12 hours on ONE DAY - & ALWAYS a weekday.
These potential voters will have a car or transport. If they want to vote, they can make as much effort as getting to a store & go do it.
Will someone PLEASE explain what the Democrats are whining about?
I live in a rural county of 2,532 sq miles - over 6 times bigger than the one they are wailing about.
It is a round trip of
* 40 miles to a grocery store
* 15 or 24 miles to a gas station
* 35 miles to the only 'fast food' in the county - a Subway
* 15 or 18 miles to the next closest small villages
(only 3 miles to 40 miles of sugar sand beach on Lake MI - the only "plus")
In rural areas there are NO buses or taxis.
You can NOT live in these places without a car - at least not if you want to be able to buy food. A car - or a neighbor who will drive you (& good luck on that idea all the time) - is a "must."
If by some very very low odds (like 1 in 500) a person doesn't have a car in a rural area, then they have someone who regularly takes them to the store or work (& odds are they don't have a job because they don't have a car!)
I have never - in 6 decades - lived in any state where election polls were open more than 12 hours on ONE DAY - & ALWAYS a weekday.
These potential voters will have a car or transport. If they want to vote, they can make as much effort as getting to a store & go do it.
29
So those that can afford cars are the only ones that get to vote in rural North Carolina. I wonder which party those people select?
21
Forget the voting stuff
The only ones who can get food to EAT in a rural county are those who have cars!
No grocery deliveries
No public transport
No taxis
You want food - you drive in a rural county
The only ones who can get food to EAT in a rural county are those who have cars!
No grocery deliveries
No public transport
No taxis
You want food - you drive in a rural county
4
Minnesota allows unlimited absentee voting by mail. Although absentee voting removes the social and celebratory aspects of voting in person, it allows anyone without a car or with a job that doesn't allow them to take a day off to vote. Don't think that is true in N.C.
11
Calling politics a contact sport and seeking to fix the game is truly bad enough. We are talking about people here. A huge number of people - our fellow citizens - not some fantasy sporting event. Reading these gleeful, callous, tone deaf Republican statements made me sick to my stomach.
1
The Republican Party seems incapable of processing and learning from new information. So here they are for the gazillionth time since 1964 -- using dishonorable tactics, pushing them to the absolute limit for the most ignoble of causes, and generally (although not in this case) couching it all in Orwellian double-speak.
1
If the goal was to reduce a perceived advantage on the part of the democrats, wouldn't it have made more sense to increase access to early voting for republicans? Perhaps they were afraid of a resulting spike in republican voter fraud?
1
Ok, I don't get it. As I recall, there used to be ONE day that you voted which was Election Day. In addition there was absentee voting for those out of the county on Election Day or for the infirmed Now, most states have multiple days in which to vote. I'm sorry, I can't accept the fact that cutting back on voting days is on its face racist. I guess I have more faith than most that African Americans are able to make it to the polls like everyone else.
1
A few days after the North Carolina executive director of the Republican Party, Dallas Woodhouse, sent his infamous email to Republican county election board members, the Mecklenburg County Board of elections, which includes Charlotte, voted to reduce the number of early voting days and polling places over the objection of its sole democratic member.
At the public meeting before the voting changes were enacted, the GOP chair of the board stated that she did not like early voting because it had the potential to increase voter fraud.
This was the same argument made by the state in the Fourth Circuit proceedings, was found to be devoid of fact. The Fourth Circuit further found the argument was a mere pretext for the racially discriminatory intent of the changes to the election law designed with "surgical precision" to suppress black voting.
The state took 17 days to appeal the Fourth Circuit's denial of the stay of its decision to Justice Roberts of the Supreme Court. Now Justice Roberts has taken almost 3 weeks to decide if he will decide on the stay himself or refer the matter to the full court as he traditionally he would do on a matter of great importance to the nation.
The longer the delay in deciding whether to grant to stay, assuming it is denied by the Court, the less likely the Fourth Circuit will be able to timely hear a challenge to the transparently racist attempts by certain NC county boards of election to circumvent the Fourth Circuit decision.
At the public meeting before the voting changes were enacted, the GOP chair of the board stated that she did not like early voting because it had the potential to increase voter fraud.
This was the same argument made by the state in the Fourth Circuit proceedings, was found to be devoid of fact. The Fourth Circuit further found the argument was a mere pretext for the racially discriminatory intent of the changes to the election law designed with "surgical precision" to suppress black voting.
The state took 17 days to appeal the Fourth Circuit's denial of the stay of its decision to Justice Roberts of the Supreme Court. Now Justice Roberts has taken almost 3 weeks to decide if he will decide on the stay himself or refer the matter to the full court as he traditionally he would do on a matter of great importance to the nation.
The longer the delay in deciding whether to grant to stay, assuming it is denied by the Court, the less likely the Fourth Circuit will be able to timely hear a challenge to the transparently racist attempts by certain NC county boards of election to circumvent the Fourth Circuit decision.
10
I'd like to see the data that supports the Republican's claim that Democrats suppressed voter turnout in 2012. In fact, data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections would suggest the opposite:
Change in number of Republicans voting, from 2008 to 2012: +62,000
Change in number of Democrats voting, from 2008 to 2012: -53,000
Also worth a look, this Rolling Stone article from before the 2012 election, titled "The GOP War on Voting: In a campaign supported by the Koch brothers, Republicans are working to prevent millions of Democrats from voting next year".
Change in number of Republicans voting, from 2008 to 2012: +62,000
Change in number of Democrats voting, from 2008 to 2012: -53,000
Also worth a look, this Rolling Stone article from before the 2012 election, titled "The GOP War on Voting: In a campaign supported by the Koch brothers, Republicans are working to prevent millions of Democrats from voting next year".
5
We in North Carolina have been living under occupation government with gerrymandered districts of Republican Tea Party domination for over six years. In a state of majority registered Democratic party voters we are controlled by the Koch brothers Tea Party minion Art Pope and his lackey Governor McCrory. 'ALEC' writes our state legislation and the 67% Republican dominated legislature rubber stamps it into law. Meanwhile voting rights protection and the 2020 census redistricting do offer hope for the future.
9
I ask African American North Carolinians and all others of that great State who treasure the democratic tradition of the United States to bridge the racist barriers and VOTE out of power the beyond-words execrably bigoted regime in Raleigh for good. Do what takes and VOTE! Recover the franchise that is your birthright.
As for the State House knuckle-draggers, never, ever preach your hypocrisy about "constitutional purity." You care nothing about it beyond campaign fodder.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
As for the State House knuckle-draggers, never, ever preach your hypocrisy about "constitutional purity." You care nothing about it beyond campaign fodder.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
9
I do not understand why states have any rights in determining how federal elections are held.
3
This is a good point: local yokels interfering with voting rights should punished by jail time.
1
When does jailing those who violate the election rules become an option? The email alone should be worth about 6 months of jail time, in my mind.
3
I am aware of the difficulty of proposing and getting ratified any amendment to the Constitution. Having said that, if we as a nation want the freedoms associated with the voting rights amendments to the Constitution to be carried out, why not propose an amendment that offers federal enforcement of one person, one vote?
1
History will not be kind to Republicans who brazenly attempt to disenfranchise Democratic-leaning voters. Their tactics and motives are clear: win elections at any cost. Voter fraud? A made-up problem in search of no solution. Changing voter rules? A made-up "solution" for a political problem -- that Republicans can't win big races fair and square anymore. The bad news is that this may give us Drumpf. The good news is that it won't even matter in the long run, because aging whites, especially in the South, can only support the "Grand" Old Party for so much longer...
4
And this is the party whose "leader" presents himself as the only hope for African-Americans and minorities? You will not have the right to vote but otherwise your life will improve? And this farce is still to be called democracy?
2
We need a new Voting Rights Act! I hope Hillary Clinton will address this issue with a Democratic Senate!
2
The Republican tyranny in North Carolina has brought it close to becoming a banana republic.
But the Republicans are in for a surprise: suburban voters around Charlotte and Raleigh very much dislike the legislatures inane "bathroom" law, which has driven business out of the state. The turnaround may come slowly, but it will come. Next time around new districts will go into effect (there was not enough time for redistricting in this election).
But the Republicans are in for a surprise: suburban voters around Charlotte and Raleigh very much dislike the legislatures inane "bathroom" law, which has driven business out of the state. The turnaround may come slowly, but it will come. Next time around new districts will go into effect (there was not enough time for redistricting in this election).
4
“Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?”
I don't live in NC but I used to live in the South, and frankly I DO doubt that Democrats set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans. In trying to maintain maximum access for African-Americans to the polls, how does that adversely impact anyone else? Sunday voting, extended hours, broadly available polling places, who is that disenfranchising? This is making it easier for EVERYONE to vote, although African-Americans may benefit preferentially, which they SHOULD in light of the many obstacles intentionally put in their way in the past and still today.
I don't live in NC but I used to live in the South, and frankly I DO doubt that Democrats set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans. In trying to maintain maximum access for African-Americans to the polls, how does that adversely impact anyone else? Sunday voting, extended hours, broadly available polling places, who is that disenfranchising? This is making it easier for EVERYONE to vote, although African-Americans may benefit preferentially, which they SHOULD in light of the many obstacles intentionally put in their way in the past and still today.
4
Perhaps this is the 'rigging' of which Trump speaks?
3
The more I learn about politics the less I want to know
3
What did Justice Roberts say, something like, racism doesn't exist anymore. Talk about living in a bubble.
3
North Carolina is shaming not only the State it is challenging America's commitment to democracy by limiting voter access. It is a brazen attempt to keep the poor, Blacks and Hispanics from voting. There is sufficient evidence of foul intentions to justify a contempt of court ruling. But what happens next? Will Republicans shamelessly draw out county rules approval and the inevitable litigation that must follow in another bald attempt to deface democracy? If so we are all losers. What is required is a quick and incisive Federal intervention and penalties for wrongdoing. And hopefully North Carolina voters will vote to spare us from the steady diet of Southern Strategy anointed bigotry and foul, undemocratic behavior perpetrated by the current administration.
As for the problem of gerrymandering, modern technology makes it completely feasible to eliminate imaginary squiggly lines designed to sort the population according to political party desires. Assign citizens to a state's allotted number of representatives by alphabetical grouping. This might not eliminate the shenanigans designed to increase the difficulty of casting a vote, but it would make them harder to implement.
1
This is what angers me about the G.O.P. They claim to care about Minorities, going so far as to claim that Minorities who vote Democratic are voting against their own self-interests and that the Democratic party only wants their vote to keep Minorities poor and dependent upon the Government, yet it is always the G.O.P. that continues to discourage minorities from voting through these types of measures.
If the G.O.P. really wants to reach out to Minorities, they are going to have to stop treating them as a threat and start treating them as an ally.
If the G.O.P. really wants to reach out to Minorities, they are going to have to stop treating them as a threat and start treating them as an ally.
2
One way to encourage voter participation for all citizens is to join the board of election's Multipartisan Assistance Team. The goal of the MAT is to help people who would normally be unable to vote or get to the polls, for a variety of reasons, fill out their ballots. The teams go into nursing homes, group homes for people with disabilities, residences and other locations to help citizens fill out their ballots.
Did you know that it is a felony for caregivers in these locations to help with voting because they might have undue influence on their patients or residents, some of whom may be have disabilities which prevent them from writing or, if they have a vision disability, from even reading. As official election workers, the Multipartisan Assistance Team may not influence voters in any way; they simply serve as scribes. It takes some time and leg work, or driving, but it's worth it.
Www.Wakegov.com
For a fuller description of the role of MAT workers, here is a link to my county's board of elections. But Multipartisan assistance teams operate in all states and counties in the country.
Wake go
Whatever your own political preference, here is a way to make voting available to all citizens.
Did you know that it is a felony for caregivers in these locations to help with voting because they might have undue influence on their patients or residents, some of whom may be have disabilities which prevent them from writing or, if they have a vision disability, from even reading. As official election workers, the Multipartisan Assistance Team may not influence voters in any way; they simply serve as scribes. It takes some time and leg work, or driving, but it's worth it.
Www.Wakegov.com
For a fuller description of the role of MAT workers, here is a link to my county's board of elections. But Multipartisan assistance teams operate in all states and counties in the country.
Wake go
Whatever your own political preference, here is a way to make voting available to all citizens.
4
I would never advocate violence but nationwide peaceful protest works.
I cant vote? Then no one votes.
A few million black and supporting white faces will reignite a confrontation for all the world to see.
President Obama can finally act like an American, a man, an elected President of all the people and call out federal and state troops to ensure that all citizens not only have a right to vote but can actually do so.
The NAACP should send out a request for hundreds of lawyers to start litigation and removal of any person interfering in this sacred right which many whites claim is what sets America apart.
Black Lives Matter should have each polling place covered as well as the Black Panthers. Black service men know what to do. What did they fight for? To be hung at the docks. No that is not feasible for white racists today. But deny basic rights like voting: an invisible hanging unless it is brought into view.
If there is to a Civil War II, then let it start with full press coverage.
When they came for the blacks, I stood aside and said nothing. When they came for the Jews I did less. When they came for those who follow Islam, I said it is not my concern. The liberals, and others went without a whimper.
Now it is my turn. There is no one to help me.
Churches must give voice to those oppressed.
See pre-Nazi Germany, or Russia, or any country where America did not like the election results.
The people united can never be defeated. Exposure and action are the tools.
I cant vote? Then no one votes.
A few million black and supporting white faces will reignite a confrontation for all the world to see.
President Obama can finally act like an American, a man, an elected President of all the people and call out federal and state troops to ensure that all citizens not only have a right to vote but can actually do so.
The NAACP should send out a request for hundreds of lawyers to start litigation and removal of any person interfering in this sacred right which many whites claim is what sets America apart.
Black Lives Matter should have each polling place covered as well as the Black Panthers. Black service men know what to do. What did they fight for? To be hung at the docks. No that is not feasible for white racists today. But deny basic rights like voting: an invisible hanging unless it is brought into view.
If there is to a Civil War II, then let it start with full press coverage.
When they came for the blacks, I stood aside and said nothing. When they came for the Jews I did less. When they came for those who follow Islam, I said it is not my concern. The liberals, and others went without a whimper.
Now it is my turn. There is no one to help me.
Churches must give voice to those oppressed.
See pre-Nazi Germany, or Russia, or any country where America did not like the election results.
The people united can never be defeated. Exposure and action are the tools.
3
Hmmm. North Carolina. Former Slave holding state.
Perhaps the answer is a very simple reason.
"They" had slavery around here once, and "They" liked it!
Voter restrictions, etc., is just the latest attempts to continue a romanticized way of life that some enjoyed, and the rest didn't. "South" lost, and have been embittered ever since.
Perhaps the answer is a very simple reason.
"They" had slavery around here once, and "They" liked it!
Voter restrictions, etc., is just the latest attempts to continue a romanticized way of life that some enjoyed, and the rest didn't. "South" lost, and have been embittered ever since.
1
“Does anybody think that banks did not select alarm systems and hire guards to advantage themselves over bank robbers?” wrote a bank robber. "We are just attempting to rebalance the scales."
2
Makes sense; if you are unwilling to change your message to appeal to more people, simply ensure that those people are unable to vote.
This is a disturbing trend in GOP politics.
This is a disturbing trend in GOP politics.
3
A nation that purports to be the greatest democracy should maximize the opportunity for all eligible voters to vote. Period.
3
Suppressing the vote of those who don't agree with your views: yet another good reason for corporations to pull out of North Carolina.
4
Isn't it unbelievable how much time and effort these (likeky) staunchly Christian election board members are spending to subvert the rights of others.
4
The false equivalence is staggering. Democrats making it easier for their likely base of citizens to vote IS NOT comparable to MAKING IT HARDER for your citizens to vote. That he's willing to say it in the same breath shows the contempt Republicans have for democracy.
If the Trump campaign is any evidence, Republicans WANT fascism. It stares at them straight in the face and they welcome it with open arms.
If the Trump campaign is any evidence, Republicans WANT fascism. It stares at them straight in the face and they welcome it with open arms.
16
No surprise here. The ONLY way GOPers can win an election is by cheating and massive voting fraud. Remember Florida and George W?
4
How could there be a law which says each election board consists of two Republicans and one Democrat? That is extremely unfair. I doubt that every county government has a Republican majority.
1
Robin C Hayes is sinning. This is evil. Look to the bible and repent.
4
Yes, following all the rules but only having one polling place in a rural area is a tactic in voter suppression. I grew up near Warrenton, Virginia. The polling station for Warrenton was down some country roads, and the trip alone would be difficult for someone without a car and potentially even unsafe.
3
"Politics is a contact sport, he added"
and there is the problem, people's welfare and lives is not a sport.
and there is the problem, people's welfare and lives is not a sport.
3
While Republicans are in the process of rigging the election by suppressing the votes of Democrats and attempting to hack the Elections Boards, they're claiming that its Democrats who are rigging the election.
Honestly, I'm beginning to think that Republicans have carefully studied the devious methods of Russian oligarchs, and really have no interest in the American constitution.
Honestly, I'm beginning to think that Republicans have carefully studied the devious methods of Russian oligarchs, and really have no interest in the American constitution.
7
"Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?"
The difference here is that Democrats work to enable people to vote and Republicans work to disable people to vote. For people that purport to love America, Republicans sure do hate democracy, don't they?
The difference here is that Democrats work to enable people to vote and Republicans work to disable people to vote. For people that purport to love America, Republicans sure do hate democracy, don't they?
12
Time to start putting some loacl officials in jail for violating the law.
7
If you don't succeed try, try again....
Jim Crow 2.0 is still alive and well across the South.
The "war of northern aggression" is still being fought....
In hindsight....may be it was not a bad idea to let the secede...
Jim Crow 2.0 is still alive and well across the South.
The "war of northern aggression" is still being fought....
In hindsight....may be it was not a bad idea to let the secede...
4
Shame on you North Carolina! I hope the democrats get together and provide busses to get all people to the voting places. This is the United States of America. Voting should be made easily available for everyone. The Republicans just don't get it. This behavior is exactly why they lose. Sad...
5
The oldest democracy of modern time since Athens.
Oh golly, this ain't democracy at all, where the votes of especially the poor and minorities who have a hard time getting to the polls without a car are systematically suppressed. The ID law was struck down by the courts. Now they just close polling stations and shorten early voting.
Our supposed democracy in red states is akin a banana republic.
Oh golly, this ain't democracy at all, where the votes of especially the poor and minorities who have a hard time getting to the polls without a car are systematically suppressed. The ID law was struck down by the courts. Now they just close polling stations and shorten early voting.
Our supposed democracy in red states is akin a banana republic.
10
How have political parties come to control our election boards? Isn't that an apparent conflict of interest? Since elections are the life blood of our democracy, shouldn’t the boards be as non-partisan as practicable? Election boards run by organized political interest groups will always be an unnecessary threat to fair elections.
13
Conflicted interest is as American as apple pie.
When one takes an oath of public office, one commits to represent the public interest. There is always some interest at play in human activity.
These are the news stories that frighten me most- the ones which document voter suppression in the United States. The vote is the most important tool we have. It defines our democracy and leads to all the progress that has been achieved and gives hope for any progress to come.
These efforts by Republicans are relentless. Am I naive in wondering why voters' rights are left to the states? Can there not be clear federal laws established for voting, down to the specifics of registration, primaries, early voting, absentee voting and poll locations? Where is my efforts and money best directed to achieve voters' rights for all?
These efforts by Republicans are relentless. Am I naive in wondering why voters' rights are left to the states? Can there not be clear federal laws established for voting, down to the specifics of registration, primaries, early voting, absentee voting and poll locations? Where is my efforts and money best directed to achieve voters' rights for all?
3
Please note, anyone who wants to vote in North Carolina can do so by mail and all forms etc can be obtained online or received in the mail. Google "vote by mail in North Carolina" for details.
5
As usual, Republicans will do anything to win. First it was to lie. And boy can they lie. Then they sent goons to the Florida recount to disrupt the process - and they won. And over the past decade or so, they have found a new source to win and that is to make it difficult if not impossible for some of the voters to vote.
The only answer is for the Democrats to control the Senate and Hillary appoint as many Federal Judges as possible. I know their are many vacancies, and she needs to hit the ground running.
The only answer is for the Democrats to control the Senate and Hillary appoint as many Federal Judges as possible. I know their are many vacancies, and she needs to hit the ground running.
2
Any measure by any party of any stripe to limit the vote anywhere is an abomination and in opposition to our democracy. If we can send 'intelligent' rovers to space we can create accessible polling sites to every citizen in our country with ample time for them to get there and cast their votes. The descriptions and quotes within this article belie the political bloodsport played by individuals who have long ago forgotten about the profound nature of the work they do. They have forgotten about citizens other than themselves in service of the competition not to mention the power. The reflection in the mirror is ugly.
2
The GOP is an abomination.
3
" ....citing religious objections to Sunday voting,"
This apparently applies only to their religion. I don't see any Republicans objecting to Saturday voting or keeping the polls open after sundown on Friday. So, are these new rules merely another example of state established and supported religion?
This apparently applies only to their religion. I don't see any Republicans objecting to Saturday voting or keeping the polls open after sundown on Friday. So, are these new rules merely another example of state established and supported religion?
4
This Republican extremist attempt to suppress the vote should be met with scorn by all Americans, including those who normally vote Repbulican. Only by voting against the GOP incumbents in North Carolina can voters tell these radicals that voting is a constitutional right. Voting against them includes not voting for those who, based on gerrymandering, are actually running unopposed for the NC General Assembly.
2
I lived in rural NC for 22 years and worked in Election Protection. Black voter suppression in NC is not done just by gerrymandering and voter ID requirements. While attempting to register new voters in 2007, I heard many excuses for why black voters don't register to vote: some fear that bill collection agencies will use voter registration lists to find them, or they have unpaid child support orders, tax bills, warrants, or unpaid parking/traffic tickets and think they can't vote unless those are paid or resolved first. As we saw in Ferguson, civil courts and judgments are a great tool that a racist local government can use to oppress people and this is another way to use the civil court system to do that. I have seen polling places in poor black areas in NC where two tall white state troopers with their police dogs stand in front of the door-purportedly to "guard" the voters (but they appear to be scrutinizing people and maybe looking to make arrests?). Once inside those polling places you find that ALL of the poll workers are white. Its no wonder Art Pope was able to buy the entire government of NC.
4
Could we please have some prosecutions here? How about some enforcement of Federal Law? Y'know, ACCOUNTABILITY.
3
We have elected RNC officials admitting that the whole ID issue is a way of limiting the elderly, minorities and student voting since the tend to vote Democrat. Even the courts saw this.
Now the individual county boards will do their part to Make America White Again.
Now the individual county boards will do their part to Make America White Again.
7
Voting after Sunday Church is a "tradition" because the Preacher hands out lists of who to vote for and the mindless lemmings do as they are told, Been there and seen it.
Now that is true democracy. The lists are often multi-colored, too!
Not voting on Sunday increases the risk the people might lose the list and end up voting for who they want to and not who they have been told to.
Now that is true democracy. The lists are often multi-colored, too!
Not voting on Sunday increases the risk the people might lose the list and end up voting for who they want to and not who they have been told to.
1
They block blacks from voting. They take ballot boxes in Ohio (Only in certain districts). Why is it always republicans?
2
The Supreme Court recently ruled that Voting Rights Act rules and regulations most apply equally in all states. New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware, Missouri, Michigan and Minnesota disallow early voting altogether. So why has a federal appeals court rules North Carolina is in violation for offering 10 days of early voting?
Lenoir County votes Democrat in local and state election, but votes narrowly Republican in presidential elections. Four of the five country commissioners are black Democrats. One of the two Republican commissioners is black. The country has 58,106 residents, 23 percent of whom are too young to vote. The early voting polling place is in Kinston, the country seat. With 21,337 residents, Kinston is home to about 38 percent of the county’s population. Kinston is 68 percent black, so the early polling place is set amid the country largest black population. Rural Lenoir County is predominantly white. So the early voter polling place is more convenient to black voters than white voters.
Lenoir County votes Democrat in local and state election, but votes narrowly Republican in presidential elections. Four of the five country commissioners are black Democrats. One of the two Republican commissioners is black. The country has 58,106 residents, 23 percent of whom are too young to vote. The early voting polling place is in Kinston, the country seat. With 21,337 residents, Kinston is home to about 38 percent of the county’s population. Kinston is 68 percent black, so the early polling place is set amid the country largest black population. Rural Lenoir County is predominantly white. So the early voter polling place is more convenient to black voters than white voters.
1
Back in the early 1980's, North Carolina had a promotional tagline of "I like calling North Carolina home". Not so much any more for this native North Carolinian.
7
What did you expect? After all, it’s the Republican party!
4
“These are two very fine people that I’ve worked with on this board,” he said. “It’s just sad to say that I don’t know whatever is causing them to act this way.”
Really? You don't know what is causing them to act this way?
Answer, friend: these very fine people are loathsome bigots.
Enlightened?
Really? You don't know what is causing them to act this way?
Answer, friend: these very fine people are loathsome bigots.
Enlightened?
7
We need a new voting rights act for the 21st century.
One that is Republican proof ...
One that is Republican proof ...
7
"Politics is a contact sport, he added, and no one should be surprised that Republicans and Democrats alike try to stage elections on terms that favor their party." So said the Republican Party chair.
This is exactly why no party should be in a position to make any influential decisions on how to run elections. Elections should be free and fair and not a "sport."
This is exactly why no party should be in a position to make any influential decisions on how to run elections. Elections should be free and fair and not a "sport."
7
As a North Carolinian for nearly 50 years, the current GOP state leadership has been the most offensive and oppressive of any voices that disagree with them. They spend most of their efforts writing bad laws and then spending rainy day emergency money to defend them in court. They do all they can to hurt the poor and middle class, public schools, minorities and anyone with a (D) beside their names. If local governments do something they dislike, they simply redistrict them and change how they are elected. If it looks like GOP are a growing minority, they carve out districts to make sure they are safe. They pass bills at the last minute that no one has seen other than 2-3 people. They have learned from Congress how to throw in all kinds of junk into a totally unrelated bill. This is the North Carolina GOP. My husband has left the party this year and so have four neighbors. We are FED up.
40
I guess you could say, "it's a rigged election" dominated by "Republican voter fraud".
10
I've been looking at buying a home in Flat Rock, NC. But this kind of political conduct gives me cause to rethink what I am getting into. My step-daughter is a school teacher in NC, and she has told me how Gov. Pat McCrory has gutted her profession (NC is at the bottom of the list for teacher pay). I had thought that the days of Jesse Helms and "Tobacco Road" politics were over. But apparently that tar is still on NC's heels. Sad what people will do in the name of politics.
242
Your daughter is absolutely correct in saying that McCrory has, among other dastardly things, vilified teachers, causing NC to lose many of the best of them. What has happened in this state politically over the last 8 years or so is both shameful and tragic, and I'm embarrassed to read this article, every truthful word of it. Yet, I would have you know that there are many good folks here working hard to reclaim our beautiful state from the bigoted thugs who have seized control of it and in the end, justice will prevail.
3
I know what you mean. I have eliminated a few states from my retirement home list, including NC unless they change.
There are two ways to win an election. One is to get a majority of voters to support you. The other is to prevent voters who oppose you from casting their votes.
It used to be that attempts at voter suppression were illegal dirty tricks.
Nowadays, voter suppression today is overwhelmingly achieved through regulatory, legislative and administrative means, resulting in modern-day equivalents of poll taxes and literacy tests that keep Black voters from the ballot box just like in the Jim Crow era. Republicans don't want everybody to vote, as they believe that Elections are NOT won by a majority of the people.
It used to be that attempts at voter suppression were illegal dirty tricks.
Nowadays, voter suppression today is overwhelmingly achieved through regulatory, legislative and administrative means, resulting in modern-day equivalents of poll taxes and literacy tests that keep Black voters from the ballot box just like in the Jim Crow era. Republicans don't want everybody to vote, as they believe that Elections are NOT won by a majority of the people.
1
Just moved out of NC forever. Some counties are THE most backwards, racist people I've ever encountered in my life. Just sayin'
3
These type of actions by the NC state officials embarass North Carolinians of all political persuasions. Voting is a RIGHT earned by citizenship, not by party affiliation.
4
Once again, although we hardly needed additional proof, John Roberts' hard right wing cabal on SCOTUS has thoroughly gutted the rights of Democrats to vote, and has provided spurious, fraudulent "cover" for their party to cling to power through the imposition of one odious Jim Crow restriction and purge after another. ONE voting location in a 403 square mile area for early voting? In an area where poorer voters may lack access to vehicles, that is simply deliberate suppression. Spare us the "balancing the scales" lie - this is being done solely by hard right wing white racists who offer nothing at all to the people, and choose to cleave to their ill-gotten power by denying the rights of millions of Americans to vote. This nation needs international election monitors - the GOTP cannot be trusted to act with a scintilla of honesty or integrity, and will do everything they can to throw the elections. What a disgrace!
7
Lots of bigots in this country. That's why Trump is the nominee. Pretty pathetic.
7
Setting up rules to prevent equal access to the voting booth has been going on in North Carolina and elsewhere since all citizens were given the right the vote. It is time for these politically motivated, locally enforced anti-voting rules to stop completely: one citizen, one vote, under the same circumstances nationwide. This is not Republican or Democrat. It is Democracy. I am a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and have family and friends in North Carolina. Any change for equality will benefit North Carolina and its good people in the long run.
2
What infuriates me almost as much as how heinous the Republican cheaters have been to minority communities all over the country with respect to voting rights is the fact that voting rights issues always seem to emerge shortly before every presidential election, when there is little time to fix anything. There is absolutely no excuse for voting requirements not to be set in stone at least a year before national elections.
Our Founding Fathers made one of the greatest errors imaginable when they left voting requirements up to individual States. That being said, I see no reason why the Supreme Court shouldn't have issued a decision long before now outlining minimum voting standards, since one of their jobs is supposed to be protecting the constitutional right to vote.
Oh, wait . . . why would a Republican dominated Supreme Court want to lift a finger to help minority voters exercise their constitutional rights?
Our Founding Fathers made one of the greatest errors imaginable when they left voting requirements up to individual States. That being said, I see no reason why the Supreme Court shouldn't have issued a decision long before now outlining minimum voting standards, since one of their jobs is supposed to be protecting the constitutional right to vote.
Oh, wait . . . why would a Republican dominated Supreme Court want to lift a finger to help minority voters exercise their constitutional rights?
3
I attended the recent Board of Elections meeting for Mecklenburg County when it met to consider how to handle early voting following the court ruling rejecting major parts of the NC Voting Law. Over 150 people showed up to express their views, most of them standing in the meeting room and some overflowing into the lobby.
The Republican BOE chair opened the meeting by commenting that “we wouldn’t be in this situation now” if it weren’t for “the courts two weeks ago.” Oh, and she mentioned that no one is “constitutionally guaranteed the right to vote early.” She said the plan for the meeting was to allow one minute for each citizen to express their views and that this would go back and forth between those for and those against early voting, for a total of thirty minutes.
The head of the county Republican party spoke first, saying it is a hardship for candidates to have a presence at the polls on so many early voting days and that, of course, more voting means “more chances for fraud.” Then 33 people—a range of voices and ages and races—spoke in support of early voting. They talked about their commitment to voting and their devotion to the values of our political system.
The late-night news showed the Republican BOE chair listening to the citizens with her arms crossed. The Board’s decision? Cut the number of early voting hours below the number in 2012, when there was record turnout, and reduce the number of early voting sites.
The Republican BOE chair opened the meeting by commenting that “we wouldn’t be in this situation now” if it weren’t for “the courts two weeks ago.” Oh, and she mentioned that no one is “constitutionally guaranteed the right to vote early.” She said the plan for the meeting was to allow one minute for each citizen to express their views and that this would go back and forth between those for and those against early voting, for a total of thirty minutes.
The head of the county Republican party spoke first, saying it is a hardship for candidates to have a presence at the polls on so many early voting days and that, of course, more voting means “more chances for fraud.” Then 33 people—a range of voices and ages and races—spoke in support of early voting. They talked about their commitment to voting and their devotion to the values of our political system.
The late-night news showed the Republican BOE chair listening to the citizens with her arms crossed. The Board’s decision? Cut the number of early voting hours below the number in 2012, when there was record turnout, and reduce the number of early voting sites.
9
And the GOP has the gall to call Hillary Clinton a lying crook....go figure. Talk about lacking total self-awareness....
5
I've never understood why gerrymandering is accepted. The only impartial way to draw districts is to throw a grid of equal-sized squares on the map and let the chips fall where they may.
2
So sue them again.
2
Our sons, brothers and fathers sacrificed their lives over countless wars so that our sacred rights to vote would be protected.
This policy of voter suppression by the Republicans is abhorrently evil and is the worst form of disrespect that can be bestowed upon all of our fallen soldiers who sacrificed their blood since the birth of our great Nation.
This policy of voter suppression by the Republicans is abhorrently evil and is the worst form of disrespect that can be bestowed upon all of our fallen soldiers who sacrificed their blood since the birth of our great Nation.
8
Yeah, the 'New South'!
1
Courts do not take kindly to their orders being disrespected. My hope is that an application can be speedily presented for an emergency injunction to stop North Carolina's Republicans from renewed attempts at vote suppression. In an ideal world, the Republic intransigence on this matter would lead to contempt of court charges against the institutions and the individuals responsible for the new suppression tactics.
7
We will fix this. It might not come overnight, but we WILL fix it.
3
Everyone eligible to vote, must vote. It is your duty as a citizen to be an informed voter
2
Broadening early voting and making polling sites easy for people to access benefits all voters, whether Democratic or Republican. All qualified citizens have the right, and some would say obligation and responsibility to vote. Period. This should be above dirty-tricks politics. This is why our democracy is in such jeopardy.
12
I grew up in NC the 50's and 60's, and felt compelled to leave at age 27 by the largely intolerant rural population who were threatened by anyone different than themselves. Those same people were vicious in their hatred for those of us with anything but white skin and crewcuts. Clearly, and unfortunately, those people still exist.
3
Those who deprive any American citizen of his or her right to vote are criminals and should be convicted and given prison sentences.
7
The excuse republicans give, that they are trying to prevent voter fraud, is just not credible. That's what the court said. But common sense says it would not be politically expedient to cast a wide net and catch mostly republicans and a few democrats. Why would hey shoot themselves in the foot? Because they wouldn't.
But for Democrats, I hope we have learned our lesson of staying home in mid term elections. 2010. That is when republicans took control of the House and state Legislatures and Governorships. And that's how we arrived at the current systematic, "surgical precision" with which republicans have suppressed the voting rights of US citizens.
But for Democrats, I hope we have learned our lesson of staying home in mid term elections. 2010. That is when republicans took control of the House and state Legislatures and Governorships. And that's how we arrived at the current systematic, "surgical precision" with which republicans have suppressed the voting rights of US citizens.
7
Welcome to "new" South...
7
Republicans in North Carolina govern as if it were still 1860 and the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution had never been enacted.
12
Why is it that Republicans can't win unless they stack the deck?
5
Republican "lawmakers," many of whom operate in Gerrymandered districts, attempting to circumvent a court's decision.
Quelle surprise?!?
Quelle surprise?!?
3
"Politics is a contact sport, he added, and no one should be surprised that Republicans and Democrats alike try to stage elections on terms that favor their party." Why not just run candidates that people want to vote for instead? This is the definition of rigging the system.
1
Cayce, politics is about money, not the people, a "sport" for those who want power and control for their own personal enrichment and gains, and until the people get involved with the governance of the country, and put an end to it (which would be very easy to do), it will continue to get worse.
2
It is time for a contempt of court order with a $10,000 fine and a $20,000 per day fine for every day of further non compliance. This fine should be personal to the officials involved. If after 5 days of further non compliance these officials should be arrested and jailed in a federal prison for a year for contempt of court.
Either Republicans or subject to the law and the Constitution or they are not/
Either Republicans or subject to the law and the Constitution or they are not/
7
Don't follow a court order. Lock 'me up.
3
Ask Donald Trump to fix this. He can do anything and I am sure he can negotiate with the Southern Republicans so they roll back the restrictions. Hah.
2
"Just trying to even the scales" indeed... The Appeals Court decision explicitly said that *expanding* voter access for partisan ends was legal, but that *restricting* voter access for partisan ends was not. Shows North Carolina's leaders' contempt for the Court, and the voters.
5
Voter suppression is the only way Republicans can get elected. If there were no suppression laws the Republicans would be outside looking in ad infinitum.
4
I live in Orange County, NC and have worked as a poll worker in the past. I attended the special public meeting of the OC Board of Elections last this month. OC is heavily Democratic - it includes Chapel Hill and Carrboro and in 2008, Carrboro voted 85% for Obama. Note that the local BoE is appointed by the statewide BoE which is in turn appointed by the Governor. So a heavily Democratic county still has a Republican dominated BoE. At the meeting citizen after citizen stood up and argued for Sunday voting, An Orange County commissioner said that they would have the money to pay. I even pointed out that the recycling centers, where rural residents take their trash, are open on Sunday afternoons so why shouldn't polling centers be too? All to no avail since the two Republican members of the three-person board simply would not budge. At the end of the meeting, one of them frankly admitted that despite the views of the citizens of Orange County, he was under party orders and that overrode anything any of us had to say. A sterling commitment to democracy, wouldn't you agree?
48
Do you still have a local press? Is there a reporter who is covering and reporting on these meetings? If not, perhaps starting a community blog and getting the word out would be a start to an end run around political oppression that your community faces.
2
Imagine the outcry if another fundamental right, the right to bear arms, was restricted by limiting the number and hours of gun shops?
7
Probably that is they only way they have left to cling to power in changing demographics..
3
That Republicans can rationalize that there is an equivalency between their statewide efforts to reduce voter participation and Democratic efforts to increase voter participation says all that needs saying about the current Republican Party.
7
The federal government needs to bring RICO charges against the corrupt Republican officials in North Carolina and in other states where Republican officials are collaborating to suppress voting and disenfranchise voters.
The Republicans are engaged in planned, coordinated, illegal, multi-state scheme and they've been getting away with it and become more emboldened with the Trump candidacy.
The Republicans are engaged in planned, coordinated, illegal, multi-state scheme and they've been getting away with it and become more emboldened with the Trump candidacy.
8
File an emergency appeal to the court that decided the decision in this case.
When are Republicans going to learn that every action of this kind further alienates them from the African-American vote?
To Justice Roberts- yea actions of this kind illustrate Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act was no longer necessary. REALLY!
When are Republicans going to learn that every action of this kind further alienates them from the African-American vote?
To Justice Roberts- yea actions of this kind illustrate Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act was no longer necessary. REALLY!
7
"What do you have to lose?" -Donald Trump
EVERYTHING.
EVERYTHING.
9
Sadly, voting should not be an issue. This country should encourage every American to vote, and do whatever is possible to make it easier, not harder. Holding elections over a weekend in addition to extending early voting would be a good first step. Depressing the vote and gerrymandering districts to make them noncompetitive ultimately destroys democracy which is bad for both Republicans and Democrats. Our elected officials should put the good of the country ahead of their own naked ambition. This should not be a Democratic or Republican issue. If one party or the other comes out ahead when more people vote, then the losing party must adapt and change. That is what contributes to a vibrant democracy. Holding power at all costs is what contributes to fringe candidates, something we are now seeing.
4
Prison terms for those who deny the right to vote seems too kind. Perhaps a long term trip to Gitmo for those un-american politicians?
4
Time in jail may help the old boys see the error of their ways.
7
Access to the vote, a fundamental right of citizenship is most definitely NOT a political contact sport. These maneuvers and statements by North Carolina Republicans are anti-American and repugnant. Further judicial intervention is clearly needed and immediately. We are watching an election being co-opted before our eyes.
7
This is a breathtakingly appalling, egregious and totally unconscionable action by the Republicans party.
8
Once the Republican's thumb is removed from the scales nationwide, we will see how much support they really have.
332
The GOP has been undermining the democratic process in order to install themselves permanently since Reagan. Do you think they will allow any change in their position?
4
The Republican governor of IL just vetoed an easier way to register people to vote. The NYT had an op-ed piece about it in the past 2 weeks. The governor is incapable of governing period, and we are in the second year of no budget as he wants to destroy public unions, for starters, and to lower taxes on the rich, himself a gazillionaire. Disgusting. This is NOT governing.
3
Not much.
1
Start sending people to jail for voter suppression and we might see a change. What possible incentive do they currently have to follow the law.
4
So just so I understand this, Republicans believe it is better to have fewer voters than more voters -- that's their policy for promoting democracy. Some people might view that as anti-American, but God forbid we throw around such accusations.
18
This is all so very transparent and terrible of the NC GOP and their shenanigans to hang on to power after millionaire businessman Art Pope bought the state in 2010 and then redistricted it to favor Republican candidates. They will do anything to hang on to power and this is the result. It calls into question the Supreme Court ruling on voting discrimination and lays bare the falsehood of fairness of Justice Roberts and his court. North Carolina will go blue this round. The metro areas are beginning to dominate politics here all due to demographic change and in migration from the North. There is nothing Republicans can do about that but suppress the vote. The interesting story here is to keep an eye on the emerging Latino vote in NC and the South. While small in number, in such a tight and divided race their voice may come out loud and clear and they are motivated.
10
Does anyone know why in counties where "Democrats outnumber Republicans" 2 to 1 the election officials all see to be republican? Isn't that the root of the problem?
5
Send federal marshalls to observe the voting procedures. If need be, national the NC guard. This was the procedure in the 1950s-1960s.
9
Elimination of early voting has a clear strategy of making it more difficult for those with inflexible jobs to show up to the polls. Low wage workers fit in nicely to this category. So there's the added benefit of avoiding any mandate for minimum wage increases.
12
Contempt of Court citations with jail time are what these cheaters deserve. They are stealing people's right to vote and trying to steal an election they are about to lose. Lock 'em up! Or cut off a hand like real fanatics would.
8
How could this be happening? Our Supreme Court Chief Justice said that this kind of racism was a thing of the past! Could it be that he was wrong? Who could have forseen this!?
Considering that his reasoning in Shelby vs. Holder has been shown to be completely and utterly wrong, maybe the supreme court will revisit this issue when Hillary appoints someone to replace that beacon of bigotry, Scalia, and we have a Senate that won't ignore their constitutional duties in the name of perpetual obstruction.
Considering that his reasoning in Shelby vs. Holder has been shown to be completely and utterly wrong, maybe the supreme court will revisit this issue when Hillary appoints someone to replace that beacon of bigotry, Scalia, and we have a Senate that won't ignore their constitutional duties in the name of perpetual obstruction.
23
Why are the elections boards majority Republican in heavily Democratic districts? What are the Dems doing wrong (besides not voting)?
3
The usual Republican bigotry on the march.
15
"Does anyone think that the Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?" said the executive director of North Carolina's Republican Party.
Putting aside the observation that the childish "He did it too" does not make a strong, or even coherent moral or legal argument, Dallas Woodhouse of the GOP has identified the problem.
Districts, voting days, the number of polling places per square mile based on availability of public transportation, and voting hours that represent broad spread of working hours need to be decided by a bi-partisan or non-partisan group.
I don't know why the very idea of disenfranchising swaths of people doesn't ring a moral alarm (and highlight the need for better candidates who are not so toxic that they need to get rid of the opposition to win.) But it doesn't, so we need to step in and take it out of the parties' hands.
Putting aside the observation that the childish "He did it too" does not make a strong, or even coherent moral or legal argument, Dallas Woodhouse of the GOP has identified the problem.
Districts, voting days, the number of polling places per square mile based on availability of public transportation, and voting hours that represent broad spread of working hours need to be decided by a bi-partisan or non-partisan group.
I don't know why the very idea of disenfranchising swaths of people doesn't ring a moral alarm (and highlight the need for better candidates who are not so toxic that they need to get rid of the opposition to win.) But it doesn't, so we need to step in and take it out of the parties' hands.
9
I lost all respect for our Supreme Court after the Shelby case, which paved the way for just this sort of thing.
I have been lucky enough to visit many other countries and to see, first hand, the importance of an independent, non-political judiciary. I used to think we had one. Justice Roberts and his ilk demonstrated that we don't in Shelby. It
was hard enough to swallow the explicitly political Bush v Gore (even Scalia even stopped defending it and counselled "just get over it,"), but Shelby, in which the court overruled the near unanimous vote of Congress, just tore it for me.
I don't believe in criticizing one's country abroad. It pains me to remain silent, when for years I had proudly pointed to our traditions of ensuring minority rights and rule of law through a non-corrupt, professional judicial system. But I can't get those words out anymore, not after Bush v Gore and then Shelby.
I have been lucky enough to visit many other countries and to see, first hand, the importance of an independent, non-political judiciary. I used to think we had one. Justice Roberts and his ilk demonstrated that we don't in Shelby. It
was hard enough to swallow the explicitly political Bush v Gore (even Scalia even stopped defending it and counselled "just get over it,"), but Shelby, in which the court overruled the near unanimous vote of Congress, just tore it for me.
I don't believe in criticizing one's country abroad. It pains me to remain silent, when for years I had proudly pointed to our traditions of ensuring minority rights and rule of law through a non-corrupt, professional judicial system. But I can't get those words out anymore, not after Bush v Gore and then Shelby.
5
Abortion politics aborted the independence of the US judiciary.
How does a democracy survive a never-give-up faction of screamers demanding unconstitutional laws while holding itself above the law with guns and God?
How does a democracy survive a never-give-up faction of screamers demanding unconstitutional laws while holding itself above the law with guns and God?
1
The people running the polls and the voting should be as non-political as humanly possible. You do not try to "even the scales". Besides being wrong, it is illegal
7
The North Carolina voting laws seem to create ample opportunity for voting. You can vote at your local election poll on Election Day or, during the early voting period, you can vote at a designated site or -- and this is VERY important -- you can simply vote by mail. (That's not mentioned here, but it makes all the difference in the world.) If black voters want to fill out their ballots on Sunday, they can have church people mail them in. And with more than a week to mail your ballot, along with the other options available, the opportunity to vote seems more than adequate, though perhaps not ideal.
I don't doubt that the Republicans are playing games, but when all is said and done. I find it hard to argue that the scheduling disputes discussed here make voting unreasonable for anybody. For about half of Democrats, in 2012, they simply voted by mail. What could be easier?
I don't doubt that the Republicans are playing games, but when all is said and done. I find it hard to argue that the scheduling disputes discussed here make voting unreasonable for anybody. For about half of Democrats, in 2012, they simply voted by mail. What could be easier?
1
So you didn't read the article, eh?
3
The issue here is not whether it is *possible* to vote for someone fully informed of the various ways they can cast a ballot (keep in mind that this is less likely to be the case with poorer and less educated voters) -- it is whether or not these rules statistically decrease the vote of Democratic leaning voters. These laws are clearly intended to do that (Republican election officials have given no compelling reasons to cut early voting days) and, given that a majority Democratic population has disproportionately elected Republican leaders, they do in fact achieve their desired effect.
3
If your county/district is 2/3 democratic and 1/3 republican then the ONLY way republicans can control it is by disenfranchising the democratic vote in every way possible.
Sure, each party wants to get out its voters, and would like the others to stay home. But if election rules are targeted to suppress voting by one side or the other and aren't even-handed, THEY ARE ILLEGAL and the courts MUST stop them if we have any hope of surviving as a democratic republic.
Besides, North Carolina has consistently thrived under moderate Democratic rule over the last half-century, and has had its economy and reputation suffer under Republicans seeking a return to Jim Crow, albeit in a subtler form.
Sure, each party wants to get out its voters, and would like the others to stay home. But if election rules are targeted to suppress voting by one side or the other and aren't even-handed, THEY ARE ILLEGAL and the courts MUST stop them if we have any hope of surviving as a democratic republic.
Besides, North Carolina has consistently thrived under moderate Democratic rule over the last half-century, and has had its economy and reputation suffer under Republicans seeking a return to Jim Crow, albeit in a subtler form.
21
Altogether now,
DON'T BOO, VOTE!
DON'T BOO, VOTE!
13
Robin C. Hayes further undermines faith in the electoral system by essentially using the "he does it too!" logic in response to this issue. It doesn't absolve the party of any blame but rather spreads it out to the system as a whole. It would be best if you didn't disenfranchise voters but the fact that you don't even feel the need to fully deny it actually frightens me more.
10
I am embarrassed to admit I live in western North Carolina which is still engaged in the War Between the States.
The ''bathroom bill'' crated a problem where there was none. The cost in business revenue, not to mention public relations, can not be tallied.
The republican legislature has not expanded Medicaid under the ACC.
Our current republican governor, running for re-election, spent twenty years working for Duke Energy. He still is. Our long time republican senator makes a cursory appearance in the western part of the state once or so every six years. My district's republican representative is a tea party wannabee who has done nothing for the area during his two terms in Washington.
There have been no cases of voter fraud reported.
etc., etc., etc. . . . .
The ''bathroom bill'' crated a problem where there was none. The cost in business revenue, not to mention public relations, can not be tallied.
The republican legislature has not expanded Medicaid under the ACC.
Our current republican governor, running for re-election, spent twenty years working for Duke Energy. He still is. Our long time republican senator makes a cursory appearance in the western part of the state once or so every six years. My district's republican representative is a tea party wannabee who has done nothing for the area during his two terms in Washington.
There have been no cases of voter fraud reported.
etc., etc., etc. . . . .
49
Voting should be as easy and as accessible as possible for our democracy to thrive. There should be a national voting holiday so that workers are not forced to find time between shifts. Democracy functions best when citizens are easily able to vote.
That Republicans are choosing to claim this principle favors Democrats simply because there are Ds than Rs is an explicit attack on the core concept of this nation: equal representation for all, regardless of color, creed, or profession.
That Republicans are choosing to claim this principle favors Democrats simply because there are Ds than Rs is an explicit attack on the core concept of this nation: equal representation for all, regardless of color, creed, or profession.
20
The GOTP threw a Hail Mary pass in denying Judge Garland a hearing to be on the Supreme Court and this is why they chose to take a chance that Mrs. Clinton would send them a real liberal later. 2000 showed them that they could cheat and get away with it with the right court make up.
I ask all people of color and true lovers of justice to be calm and peaceful for the next 2 months, keep trying to get the people onto the voting rolls and to the voting booth at whatever time these racists dictate so that we can take HRC to the White House a few more Dems to the Senate so that Hillary is assured she can get the person she wants on the court. It is all about race and keeping power away from all the people and in the hands of a very few.
I ask all people of color and true lovers of justice to be calm and peaceful for the next 2 months, keep trying to get the people onto the voting rolls and to the voting booth at whatever time these racists dictate so that we can take HRC to the White House a few more Dems to the Senate so that Hillary is assured she can get the person she wants on the court. It is all about race and keeping power away from all the people and in the hands of a very few.
33
It seems that Mr. Woodhouse, like so many Republicans, thinks other's are like him and so assumes the worst in others assuming they'd do what does because he can't believe that some people will do the right thing, and then responds with the logic that two wrongs do make a right. This is emblematic of Republican thought and strategy since at least the Nixon era.
25
I grew up in the Chicago area and thought I'd seen it all.
Then I moved to North Carolina.
The efforts by Republicans to suppress the vote are shocking and corrupt. They know their policies are killing their chances of victory, so they are working hard to remove our right to vote. This is corruption at a very high level.
Then I moved to North Carolina.
The efforts by Republicans to suppress the vote are shocking and corrupt. They know their policies are killing their chances of victory, so they are working hard to remove our right to vote. This is corruption at a very high level.
39
These actions reflect a national Republican strategy, funded by the Koch brothers, to hamper the ability to vote of likely supporters of Democrats. The effort by Republicans has worked in state and local elections.
Instead of restricting voters' rights, election officials should expand the ways to vote and change election day to election days of Saturday and Sunday.
Courts should reject these schemes absolutely and not accept any rationale that deprive citizens of their ability to vote.
Instead of restricting voters' rights, election officials should expand the ways to vote and change election day to election days of Saturday and Sunday.
Courts should reject these schemes absolutely and not accept any rationale that deprive citizens of their ability to vote.
9
We have the Roberts court to thank for gutting the Voting Rights Act, just as we have them to thank for Citizens United, and Sandra Day O'Connor and the reactionary justices still serving on today's court to thank for the 2000 election being thrown to Bush 43. What a different world we'd be living in if the man who won the popular vote in 2000 by 500,000 ballots had taken office. Instead, we got Iraq, ISIS, Syria and the chance that the 2016 election will be as tainted as the the one that brought W to office.
18
Shouldn't both sides be setting up a fair system that encourages all citizens to vote? If you can't win the contest of ideas you shouldn't be changing the voting rules to get your way.
7
"“Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?” Dallas Woodhouse, the executive director of North Carolina’s Republican Party, wrote this week, ...“We are just attempting to rebalance the scales.”"
Stopped reading right there.
Republicans aren't even trying to hide it any more. It's not that "_________________" supposedly set "hours to advantage their ovters over "________". It's that YOU, RIGHT NOW, are ADMITTING that you aren't "advantaging" anything, YOU'RE ADMITTING that you're making it MORE DIFFICULT for EVERYONE to vote, and that this, YOUR STRATEGY, you hope, supposedly gives you some sort of advantage.
Well, here's hoping it won't, because if it does, there's going to be a lot of unhappy, unrepresented people out there, disenfranchised because of YOU.
Stopped reading right there.
Republicans aren't even trying to hide it any more. It's not that "_________________" supposedly set "hours to advantage their ovters over "________". It's that YOU, RIGHT NOW, are ADMITTING that you aren't "advantaging" anything, YOU'RE ADMITTING that you're making it MORE DIFFICULT for EVERYONE to vote, and that this, YOUR STRATEGY, you hope, supposedly gives you some sort of advantage.
Well, here's hoping it won't, because if it does, there's going to be a lot of unhappy, unrepresented people out there, disenfranchised because of YOU.
13
"While Republicans scoff at the notion that they have sought to suppress an overwhelmingly Democratic black vote......."
The GOP fools no one.
The GOP fools no one.
13
I get the hand to hand nature of the local/state political battles. Politics, indeed, is a full contact sport. A bruising one. It's all about the brass ring, the power after all.
But here's the thing not understood by the tactical game being played by the Republicans. The majority will not be denied. Yes they can be deferred, for a time. A naked grab for, and to maintain, power can always defer a basic reality. But from the viewpoint of the long game they do themselves no favors in attempting to limit constituencies voting capability. If anything they should be expanding it; putting polling/voting booths everywhere, and simultaneously adjusting their policies to reflect the needs and wants of that constituency. This is the long game. One they seem to be foolishly ignoring in their blind need to maintain power.
I'm not sure the Dem's are any better at it; but I can tell you how it goes when you throttle said constituency, all while trying to garner their vote. The anger will manifest in action, and you ultimately consign yourself to a minor role in that power game. All for being foolish in the way you manage your (political) game.
So it goes.
John~
American Net'Zen
But here's the thing not understood by the tactical game being played by the Republicans. The majority will not be denied. Yes they can be deferred, for a time. A naked grab for, and to maintain, power can always defer a basic reality. But from the viewpoint of the long game they do themselves no favors in attempting to limit constituencies voting capability. If anything they should be expanding it; putting polling/voting booths everywhere, and simultaneously adjusting their policies to reflect the needs and wants of that constituency. This is the long game. One they seem to be foolishly ignoring in their blind need to maintain power.
I'm not sure the Dem's are any better at it; but I can tell you how it goes when you throttle said constituency, all while trying to garner their vote. The anger will manifest in action, and you ultimately consign yourself to a minor role in that power game. All for being foolish in the way you manage your (political) game.
So it goes.
John~
American Net'Zen
1
There is a difference between modifying rules to increase turnout and modifying rules to limit voter turnout. Clearly the republican argument in fact indicates that democratic efforts provide greater voting opportunities is NOT reducing Republican voter opportunities: I dec
Are this false equivalence
Are this false equivalence
4
In Tennessee the legislature passed a bill requiring all local election boards to be run by the party in power in the state (Republican). There can be no doubt that Republicans are intentionally using election rules to tilt elections.
The federal government needs to shut this down. Local control is beginning to look like a bad idea when it comes to voting.
How do other countries avoid this? Our elections are compromised with the kind of finagling coming to light in NC, throwing people off rolls, and the likelihood of hacking the electronic voting machines. Now even we need international election monitors,
How the mighty have fallen.
The federal government needs to shut this down. Local control is beginning to look like a bad idea when it comes to voting.
How do other countries avoid this? Our elections are compromised with the kind of finagling coming to light in NC, throwing people off rolls, and the likelihood of hacking the electronic voting machines. Now even we need international election monitors,
How the mighty have fallen.
12
So the community will organize their own rides, as it did when they boycotted the buses in Alabama. Let the church charter a bus.
If the community let Republicans handle elections, what did they expect?
If the community let Republicans handle elections, what did they expect?
This is part of Trump's out reach campaign's "what do you have to lose?"
Answer: Your vote!
Answer: Your vote!
12
This is outright sedition, and those involved should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Absolutely sickening.
Absolutely sickening.
32
“Purely bogus,” Robin C. Hayes, the state Republican Party chairman, said Tuesday in an interview. “In fact, we’re working hard to increase the vote from every region and from every interest group. And by the way, no great surprise: We want them to vote Republican.”
Bold faced lying has become so commonplace within the Republican Party that is has become second nature. What is particularly disgusting to me is how it matters not the transparency of their outright lies. Just another tool in the Republican political toolbox.
Bold faced lying has become so commonplace within the Republican Party that is has become second nature. What is particularly disgusting to me is how it matters not the transparency of their outright lies. Just another tool in the Republican political toolbox.
15
No - politics is not, contrary to what Robin Hayes said, "a contact sport," nor is it correct, as he added, that, "no one should be surprised that Republicans and Democrats alike try to stage elections on terms that favor their party." Rather, politics is the principal process by which citizens in a democracy participate in that democracy. Voting rules should favor no party and should be purely aimed at enabling the most citizens to vote in any and all elections. The popular vote (which is then, some would say "unfortunately," reshaped by the electoral college in a federal election) should be a true popular vote, that is, it should be all the votes of all the people who wanted and intended to vote, not merely the votes of those who could get to the polling place, get there in the short window of time provided, get there by car when far away from their home or work place, show one of only a few types of picture ID, etc. Any road block to achieving the counting of the entire intended popular vote subverts democracy and should be struck down and any state that puts up such road blocks, especially only weeks before a federal election, should have an effective enforcement process run by the federal government, such as forcing the allowing of longer periods of early voting, a simplified absentee ballot process, etc., and the results of such access enforcement should be studied before any election results are certified.
8
This is totally shameful. If Trump really wants the African American vote then he should speak out immediately and stand up and say he supports the reinstatement of the Voting Rights Act. He should take a stand and ask all Republican State Legislatures to cease and withdraw any laws which suppress the right to vote. And he should also tell those states that it is not right to close DMV offices etc. so that all citizens have a fair advantage to get the ID required.
8
We should never have pulled Union troops out of the Confederacy until the entire generation that had supported racial discrimination and slavery had died out.
15
The advice the local NC election boards are receiving come from a combination of directives put together by ALEC, the Koch brothers octopus of 501(c)(4) entities and Karl Rove's Americans for Prosperity (or whatever he calls it). They've focused all their money and attention on insuring that Republicans win or hold on to governorships and Congressional races. They largely ignore the Trump-Clinton race, figuring that the keys to political power rests with those who write legislation and choose many state judgeships.
It is an example of political manipulation at its most extreme -- but effective.
It is an example of political manipulation at its most extreme -- but effective.
14
" Party of Lincoln"?
More the party of Jim Crow,
More the party of Jim Crow,
38
Politics is a contact sport, he [Robin C. Hayes] added, and no one should be surprised that Republicans and Democrats alike try to stage elections on terms that favor their party.
No Mr. Hayes. The goal should be to stage elections on terms that favor the voters.
No Mr. Hayes. The goal should be to stage elections on terms that favor the voters.
10
“'Does anybody think that Democrats did not select early voting sites and set hours to advantage their voters over Republicans?' Dallas Woodhouse, the executive director of North Carolina’s Republican Party, wrote this week, referring to the days when the statehouse was in Democratic hands. 'We are just attempting to rebalance the scales.'”
What an appallingly revealing statement. Republican voters aren't disadvantaged by efforts to make it easier to vote, but it's likely that Republican candidates will be. If increasing voter turnout in a way that more broadly represents the full range of the potential electorate favors Democratic candidates, then that's your problem as a party, GOP. Expanding the vote furthers democracy; restricting the vote is a transparent attempt to control the result so Republicans can take back "their" country from the uppity rest of us.
As usual, this is a Republican attempt at false equivalence, where we're supposed to believe that efforts to expand voter participation are the same as efforts to narrow voter participation.
What an appallingly revealing statement. Republican voters aren't disadvantaged by efforts to make it easier to vote, but it's likely that Republican candidates will be. If increasing voter turnout in a way that more broadly represents the full range of the potential electorate favors Democratic candidates, then that's your problem as a party, GOP. Expanding the vote furthers democracy; restricting the vote is a transparent attempt to control the result so Republicans can take back "their" country from the uppity rest of us.
As usual, this is a Republican attempt at false equivalence, where we're supposed to believe that efforts to expand voter participation are the same as efforts to narrow voter participation.
12
The solution here is a determination by the Democrats and the black communities, to get out the vote "whatever it takes," often mobilized through the black churches.
This was a feature of the civil rights era in Montgomery and elsewhere (most notable in Montgomery because the tactics came from the bus boycott): people marched to the polls, volunteers turned private cars into taxi shuttles, churches used church buses. Some churches from far away sent their buses, as their contribution.
Much larger resources exist today to do this than existed in the civil-rights era, and the tipping point is closer at hand: the Republicans in control of these voting boards don't want the spectacle or the outcome of organized get-to-the-vote efforts in the black communities.
These Republicans are just tipping their hand at how desperate they are; they know they are losing control. So they are throwing away at least another generation of brown people's votes in a crazy attempt to hang on for another election or two.
This was a feature of the civil rights era in Montgomery and elsewhere (most notable in Montgomery because the tactics came from the bus boycott): people marched to the polls, volunteers turned private cars into taxi shuttles, churches used church buses. Some churches from far away sent their buses, as their contribution.
Much larger resources exist today to do this than existed in the civil-rights era, and the tipping point is closer at hand: the Republicans in control of these voting boards don't want the spectacle or the outcome of organized get-to-the-vote efforts in the black communities.
These Republicans are just tipping their hand at how desperate they are; they know they are losing control. So they are throwing away at least another generation of brown people's votes in a crazy attempt to hang on for another election or two.
279
"The solution here is a determination by the Democrats and the black communities, to get out the vote "whatever it takes," often mobilized through the black churches. "
=
I always wondered why THAT did not void the 501-c-3 tax exempt status
IRS certainly weaponized THAT re conservo groups
=
answer - one rule for me another for thee
or no rules for me, many rules for thee
=
I always wondered why THAT did not void the 501-c-3 tax exempt status
IRS certainly weaponized THAT re conservo groups
=
answer - one rule for me another for thee
or no rules for me, many rules for thee
Sorry, fortress America. No one makes them vote Democrat, just helps them exercise their (equal) rights. You may not have the right to a car, but you have the right to vote. Oh, and churchgoing volunteers are not 501(c)(3) organizations.
HOW they vote Dem or Pub or Gaia, is not relevant to whether the 501-c-3 is political or not ( a little is allowed BTW)
While church GROUPS of volunteers, are NOT the church entity, there is a 'nexus' (famous IRS word) between the entity and the group
The laws make much of nexii (said the lay-person here)
While church GROUPS of volunteers, are NOT the church entity, there is a 'nexus' (famous IRS word) between the entity and the group
The laws make much of nexii (said the lay-person here)
If North Carolina was a stock, it be rated, "sell". No business that relies on a competent diverse workforce will relocate or expand there. We are already seeing evidence of that. The economically mobile conservative Christians will begin moving to neighboring states and take their income with them. It will take decades for the economy to recover. We are watching self-destruction and for what? Because it is not enough to practice their own beliefs - they have to squelch the rights of others.
4
...did anyone say 'Cartel'...?
The only difference between Dallas Woodhouse and Vladimir Putin is one speaks his lies in Russian and the other in Republican.
Democracy is NOT a blood sport. It is called FREEDOM and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY.
Democracy is NOT a blood sport. It is called FREEDOM and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY.
4
But wait, I thought progressives just got done lecturing us on how Trump was wrong to describe blacks as living disadvantaged lives. Now we're back to being told that blacks are apparently so disadvantaged that they can easily be discouraged from exercising their right to vote? Wow. Now if Trump said this, it would be another example of his bigotry.
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This matter of restrictive voter law is not only an embarressment for the people of N.C - but also for every citizen of the United States ! The right to vote is denied to the poor and yet some are claiming the US as the "greatest" country in the world. Yeah right! Raise your voter turnout ! and maybe you can be called democratically representstive again.
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Two points. Firstly, is it not clear to all non-Republicans that only Republicans are true Americans and therefore it is their duty to ensure that subversives not be allowed to vote in an American election. Secondly, if a Court states that "razor precision" was used to disenfranchise certain groups of voters how is this "cheating" (as it's referred to repeatedly in these comments) and not fraud? Are there no legal/criminal consequences for overt efforts to disenfranchise citizens?
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