corrente

Very quickly, now. Only have the computer for a few minutes and then off again into the snow and rain…

I just got training this weekend on how to be a poll challenger and will carry out those duties tomorrow unless a court says different. In Ohio, vote challengers have been barred from being at polling stations, but this may be a good thing, since Dem challengers were fewer than GOPers and the black community asked for them to all be barred: “a black Cincinnati couple who said Republican plans to deploy challengers to largely black precincts in Hamilton County was meant to intimidate and block black voters.” via Judges Bar Party Challengers at Ohio Polls
The GOP-thugs are appealing their right to harass black voters, so maybe Ohio is better off with the ban. In our neck of the woods there are plenty of Dems, backup lawyers and interpreters ready, so let the GOP-thugs come. Make sure everyone knows their rights! These from Florida look very similar to the ones in Colorado and NM. The link below has other states’ rights, and your local Dem HQ should have them for your state.

Florida Voters' Bill of RightsPrepared by the Voices of the Electorate -- Election Protection Task Force

1) You have the right to vote if you are in line when the polls close 7 p.m., or at any other time between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. [Fla. Stat. §§ 100.011(1)]
2) If you are registered to vote, you have the right to sign your name and vote even if you do not have your voter registration card or a photo ID with you. Replacement voter identification cards are free when you provide a signed, written request to the supervisor of elections. [§§ 101.49, 98.471 and 97.071(2)]
3) If a poll worker cannot find your name on the list, and cannot verify your registration, you have the right to cast a “provisional ballot” and vote. Check with an Election Protection volunteer or call 1-866-OUR-VOTE before you cast a provisional ballot to confirm that you are in the correct precinct – to help ensure that your vote will count. [§§ 101.031(2) and 101.048]
4) If you cannot read or write, or are disabled, you have the right to request special assistance with voting from anyone other than your employer or an officer or agent of your union. [§§ 97.061 and 101.051]
5) If you make a mistake or “spoil” your ballot and have not cast the ballot, you have the right to receive up to two replacement ballots from the election officials. [§§101.031(2) and 101.5608(2)(b)]
6) If you have moved within the county, but are still qualified and registered to vote, you have the right to vote at your new polling place after writing down your new address.[§ 101.045(2)(a)]
7) If your name has changed because of marriage or other legal process, you have the right to vote under your original name. [§ 101.045(2)(b)]
8) You have the right to receive written and oral instructions from voting elections officers when you vote. [§ 101.031(2)]
9) You have the right to vote free from coercion or intimidation by election officers or any other person. [§ 101.031(2)]
10) If someone challenges your right to vote, you have the right to an explanation. The explanation should be put in writing with an oath giving reasons for the challenge. [§§ 101.031(2) and 101.111]
11) You have the right to receive a demonstration using the voting equipment before you cast your vote. [§101.5611]
12) You have the right to take this bill of rights into the voting booth with you.
via SEIU.ORG

Make sure people know their rights. Make sure they insist on voting. Especially those the GOP-thugs want to target—the usual suspects: people of color, the poor, ex-cons, you, me.

I will keep canvassing today until my shoes wear out, and Gil has the van going all over the damn place, hauling folks to the polls. The entire RDF conspiracy has taken tomorrow off—most today, too—and are OUT ON THE STREETS or AT THE POLLS. Some folks got chased off “private mall property” for marching with Kerry signs. The good folks who were at the early polling station are gearing up for a big barbecue tomorrow at the parking area. Gotta be 100ft. away, the lawyers finally told us, but that’s okay. If nobody hears from RDF until the 3rd, that’s because I am on the goddam street, and will not rest until I have squeezed out every vote I can for Kerry. If you don’t hear from me after that, it’s because someone polecatted up the polls and I am following up on challenges. The county clerks in five counties here are saying that early voting turnout is at least two times what TOTAL turnout was in 2000. That’s good news for the forces of reason!

Most of all, me hearties, remember—the GOP-thugs are getting their people out. Oh, yes. WE HAVE TO DO BETTER. TAKE SOME FRIENDS. GO. VOTE. VOLUNTEER. COOK. MARCH AROUND WITH SIGNS. BE POLITE. BE INSISTENT. AVAST—IT’S THE FOURTH QUARTER, and DAMN THE SCOREBOARDS! VICTORY IS OURS TO LOSE!

Edwards implores Democrats to vote and we should do likewise, up close and personal.