Homeless Driven to Vote for Obama

[Gan]

CLEVELAND - Volunteers supporting Barack Obama picked up hundreds of people at homeless shelters, soup kitchens and drug-rehab centers and drove them to a polling place yesterday on the last day that Ohioans could register and vote on the same day, almost no questions asked.

The huge effort by a pro-Obama group, Vote Today Ohio, takes advantage of a quirk in the state's elections laws that allows people to register and cast ballots at the same time without having to prove residency.

Republicans have argued that the window could lead to widespread voter fraud because officials wouldn't have an opportunity to verify registration information before ballots were cast.

Among the volunteers were Yori Stadlin and Vivian Lehrer of the Upper West Side, who got married last week and decided to spend their honeymoon shepherding voters to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.

Early today, Stadlin's van picked up William Woods, 59, at the soup kitchen of the Bishop Cosgrove Center.

"I never voted before," Woods said, because of a felony conviction that previously barred him from the polls. "Without this service, I would have had no way to get here."

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10062008/news/nationalnews/homeless_driven_to_vote_obama_132395.htm

________________________________________________

:wtf:

[Keller]

I've always felt that non-property owners shouldn't be permitted to vote.

It's what I'd like to call an "ownership society".

[Gan]

That include renters?

:whistle:

[Clove]

I've always felt that non-property owners shouldn't be permitted to vote.

It's what I'd like to call an "ownership society".Thanks for disenfranchising 1/3 of the United States.

[waywardgs]

I've always felt that non-property owners shouldn't be permitted to vote.

It's what I'd like to call an "ownership society".

Heh... aristocracy ftw?

All men are created equal... unless you don't own some dirt.

[Keller]

Thanks for disenfranchising 1/3 of the United States.


They're mostly negroes. No real loss.

[Sean of the Thread]

What's wrong with homeless people?

:whistle:

[Clove]

They're mostly negroes. No real loss.
But aren't you black?

[waywardgs]

They're mostly negroes. No real loss.

Oh, I get it. You're just a troglodyte. Ok, carry on.

[Martaigne]

What's wrong with homeless people?

:whistle:

Aren't you homeless yet?

[Sean]

This is right up there with fliers falsely stating voters cannot vote if you owe on parking tickets.

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20081002_Vote-scam_fliers_target_black_neighborhoods.html

[Keller]

Oh, I get it. You're just a troglodyte. Ok, carry on.

I sense there is a sarchasm.

[Sean of the Thread]

This is right up there with fliers falsely stating voters cannot vote if you owe on parking tickets.

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20081002_Vote-scam_fliers_target_black_neighborhoods.html

Wow that's some bullshit.

Everyone knows the only way to keep blacks from voting is to put roadblocks up in Florida.

[Gan]

This is right up there with fliers falsely stating voters cannot vote if you owe on parking tickets.

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20081002_Vote-scam_fliers_target_black_neighborhoods.html

Thats pretty shitty.

[Some Rogue]

Wow that's some bullshit.

Everyone knows the only way to keep blacks from voting is to put roadblocks up in Florida.

I thought you hid their voters registration cards under their workboots.

[BigWorm]

What do you see as the problem here, Gan? Yes, this is a pretty strange law but if Ohioans don't like it, shouldn't they vote to change it? I also don't buy that there is no way to verify voter information.

[Gan]

What do you see as the problem here, Gan? Yes, this is a pretty strange law but if Ohioans don't like it, shouldn't they vote to change it? I also don't buy that there is no way to verify voter information.

I just see there being a greater possibility of influencing vote through direct, indirect, or innuendoed promises - especially if the 'voters' are inundated with a barrage of onesided campaign material (video, audio, etc.) as they are being taken to the polls to register and vote. Given the mental capacity/clarity of the homeless people - it would be easy to assume they will perform as instructed with fresh images of campaign material in their heads by the candidate of choice.

Its an open invitation to instances of voting fraud.

[thefarmer]

I just see there being a greater possibility of influencing vote through direct, indirect, or innuendoed promises - especially if the 'voters' are inundated with a barrage of onesided campaign material (video, audio, etc.) as they are being taken to the polls to register and vote. Given the mental capacity/clarity of the homeless people - it would be easy to assume they will perform as instructed with fresh images of campaign material in their heads by the candidate of choice.

Its an open invitation to instances of voting fraud.

This happens with non-homeless people too...

[Gan]

This happens with non-homeless people too...

Yea, its sick either way you slice it.

[Clove]

What do you see as the problem here, Gan? Yes, this is a pretty strange law but if Ohioans don't like it, shouldn't they vote to change it? I also don't buy that there is no way to verify voter information.Would you let homeless people vote for the change?

[DeV]

Cool, as long as they aren't being told their only options are Obama or Biden.

If they're properly registered and legally able to vote, it's their right and I don't see a problem.

I’m more concerned about voter fraud than a bunch of homeless people being driven to the polls. I'd love to get front door service to my voting poll, but I wouldn't love being homeless. And as uninformed as they may or may not be, it happens with every election, and even worse when the voter is a home owner. Nothing new.

[diethx]

This is right up there with fliers falsely stating voters cannot vote if you owe on parking tickets.

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20081002_Vote-scam_fliers_target_black_neighborhoods.html

Sick, but also funny that the flyer spells "voila" as "walla", hoho.

[Ignot]

Getting the homeless vote should be easy. Just give them a pack of cigarettes and they will do whatever you want. Food? not so much but cigarettes? hell yeah!

[Clove]

I used to give a guy a dollar every day because he was "trying to get on the internet". Fucking loved that guy.

[AnticorRifling]

I used to give a guy a dollar every day because he was "trying to get on the internet". Fucking loved that guy.

That's awesome.

[Parkbandit]

I really like how people only really care about this issue when it's the other party doing it, but turn a blind eye to their own. Both parties pull this garbage--the Republicans are particularly well known for it, with large campaigns of misinformation (like the previously stated "parking ticket" bullshit) or targeting liberal out-of-state college students by telling them that they won't be elligible for their parent's health insurance if they register to vote in a different state.. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_Rights_Act_of_1965) was passed to address extremely widespread problems by the right. On the other side, members of Acorn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_of_Community_Organizations_for_Reform_ Now), have been convicted for submitting phony registration forms, but nothing I've come across even comes close to the systematic attempts at disenfranchising the poor and minority groups of America.

The difference is usually that the left tries to get people to vote and the right tries to trick or intimidate people out of voting.

I really like how people try to explain and excuse the behavior of their party and call foul when the other party allegedly does it.

The Democrats are simply trying to get people to vote, B-b-b-b-but the Republicans try to trick and intimidate people out of voting!

Awesome stuff there.. all in one easy to laugh at post.

Thanks!!

[Gan]

I really like how people only really care about this issue when it's the other party doing it, but turn a blind eye to their own. Both parties pull this garbage--the Republicans are particularly well known for it, with large campaigns of misinformation (like the previously stated "parking ticket" bullshit) or targeting liberal out-of-state college students by telling them that they won't be elligible for their parent's health insurance if they register to vote in a different state.. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_Rights_Act_of_1965) was passed to address extremely widespread problems by the right. On the other side, members of Acorn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_of_Community_Organizations_for_Reform_ Now), have been convicted for submitting phony registration forms, but nothing I've come across even comes close to the systematic attempts at disenfranchising the poor and minority groups of America.

The difference is usually that the left tries to get people to vote and the right tries to trick or intimidate people out of voting.

I'll make you a promise. If I see a story that depicts the same behavior as was in the OP except for McCain - I promise to have as much disdain and as much motive to post it here as I have done with this story. If you know of a story like this but from a GOP perspective send me the link and I'll post a thread. Just to demonstrate that its not just another anti-obama thread.

In the mean time, you can slow down on the apologetic rhetoric. It ill becomes you.

[Mighty Nikkisaurus]

Cool, as long as they aren't being told their only options are Obama or Biden.

If they're properly registered and legally able to vote, it's their right and I don't see a problem.

:yeahthat:

[Clove]

Cool, as long as they aren't being told their only options are Obama or Biden.

If they're properly registered and legally able to vote, it's their right and I don't see a problem.

I’m more concerned about voter fraud than a bunch of homeless people being driven to the polls. I'd love to get front door service to my voting poll, but I wouldn't love being homeless. And as uninformed as they may or may not be, it happens with every election, and even worse when the voter is a home owner. Nothing new.Yes, I'm sure they get a nice, detailed summary of their voting options on the way to the polls; free of bias or influence.

[RichardCranium]

Again, PB--you're letting your frantic desire to label me a hypocrite get the better of whatever little judgment you have left at this point. At what point did I excuse the behavior of either (neither is really "my" party)?

Look at how both sides--left and right--try to tilt the election their way. Traditionally, the left has tried to persuade more and more people to vote, and the right has tried to disenfranchise those that don't vote the way they want.

Sorry if you don't like reality--I get that impression from you quite frequently. Thank you for the repetitive, predictable attack. While both sides have wronged the electorate, the wrongdoing is definitely slanted. My "bias in defending my supposed side" has nothing to do with that. =) Please make sure there's a rock to stand on the next time you leap after me.

You straddle the fence so that when someone calls you on your bullshit you can put on the kid gloves when talking about the Democrats while trying to swing for the fences on the Republicans. You are a hypocrite. But I mentioned the both parties! Give me a break. You're not even aware of how transparent you are.

[Mighty Nikkisaurus]

Yes, I'm sure they get a nice, detailed summary of their voting options on the way to the polls; free of bias or influence.

Only these people are going to be the ones who could be forming a political opinion built on bias and influence.

[DeV]

Only these people are going to be the ones who could be forming a political opinion built on bias and influence.
Exactly. At least they have an excuse.

[BigWorm]

Wait a second, are you guys trying to say that some voters make uninformed decisions?

[radamanthys]

Every party does this kinda stuff. Gerrymandering is all about this. Reps wanna keep the cities in a single unit, and dems want to piece the city apart, and use that to mitigate the influence of the suburbs.

Democrats want voting booths in the shopping malls. I'm not going into why. They also hold college registration drives.

It's all part of the game.

[Parkbandit]

Again, PB--you're letting your frantic desire to label me a hypocrite get the better of whatever little judgment you have left at this point. At what point did I excuse the behavior of either (neither is really "my" party)?

Are you trying to imply that you aren't SOLIDLY voting for Obama and have been since day one? You are kidding me, right?

Here is how you excused the behavior of YOU party. I used your favorite BOLDING feature so you won't get confused:


The difference is usually that the left tries to get people to vote and the right tries to trick or intimidate people out of voting.

You don't see how you basically said that the left is merely trying to get people to vote (something both parties do and should do) and the evil Republicans try to trick and intimidate people out of voting? Seriously.. if you don't see the difference and how you are excusing one party (GEE, WHAT A COINCIDENCE.. IT'S YOUR PARTY!) and condemning the other one, then you truly are an idiot.


Look at how both sides--left and right--try to tilt the election their way. Traditionally, the left has tried to persuade more and more people to vote, and the right has tried to disenfranchise those that don't vote the way they want.

BINGO, YOU DO IT AGAIN!



Sorry if you don't like reality--I get that impression from you quite frequently. Thank you for the repetitive, predictable attack. While both sides have wronged the electorate, the wrongdoing is definitely slanted. My "bias in defending my supposed side" has nothing to do with that. =) Please make sure there's a rock to stand on the next time you leap after me.

I love reality.. and thankfully you've yet to post anything even close to it. And when you stop being a raging hypocritical little cunt, I won't attack you.

[BigWorm]

PB, I don't really see how you can call him a hypocrite when he mentioned ACORN in his first post about it.

[Warriorbird]

Bum Votes...the sequel to Bum Fights. Coming to your hood soon.

I imagine we can get Kimbo Slice as a spokesman on the cheap now.

[Tea & Strumpets]

I don't think anyone would seriously argue that driving homeless people to vote is on the shady side. I seriously doubt that the organizers give a flying fuck about getting people out to vote, and I tend to think they are more interested in taking advantage of Ohio's goofy laws to get votes for their candidate.

If they are letting people register and vote on the same day, I hope there is still some kind of system to make sure that the "voter" is a resident of the state and isn't a felon.

[Mabus]

If they are letting people register and vote on the same day, I hope there is still some kind of system to make sure that the "voter" is a resident of the state and isn't a felon.
There are so many problems already in Ohio it would be hard to give the full story.

The same day voting ended 10-6. The "requirements" are the same as for registration.

The Secretary of State (D) denied voting observers at the polls, until judicially ordered to allow them.

There have been many reports of homeless being offered alcohol to vote for Obama, mainly from the homeless.

The systems in several counties are new, and completely untested for the volume.

The good news for felons is that we do allow those that have served their time (and are off of parole and probation) to register and vote. I agree that once a sentence is served voting rights should be returned.

Ohio's voting is, and has been, a mess.

I vote absentee (though I miss my little sticker!).

[TheRoseLady]

Cool, as long as they aren't being told their only options are Obama or Biden.



The ballot has about 8 different presidential choices. Obama and McCain were not at the top if I recall correctly. I know Obama was about half way down.

[Parkbandit]

I don't really see how...

You've proven this to be the case more than not...

Thanks Captain Obvious.

I can't dumb it down any more than I already did. I even bolded the part I found objectionable.

[TheRoseLady]

Yes, I'm sure they get a nice, detailed summary of their voting options on the way to the polls; free of bias or influence.

I wasn't picked up at a homeless shelter for voting, but I can tell you what my experience was this past Saturday. I voted at Vets Memorial in Columbus. When I parked my car, there were about a handful of people out in the parking lot with their various reading material. They weren't pushy or rude.

I had one fellow offer me a democratic list for all the various races local, state and national. I had a lady tell me that they were having a big Obama/Biden gathering across the street, along the river with some Hoffa dude and the guy who founded Def Jam records.

From what I could gather, there was one Republican candidate being represented for some local election. Nobody was there to offer anything on the republican ticket nationally or really locally.

The voting process was very smooth. I know they printed out a label that showed my address and my polling precinct, among other things.

[TheRoseLady]

There are so many problems already in Ohio it would be hard to give the full story.



Don't forget the fact that it was Kevin DeWine (R) who wrote Ohio House Bill 3 (which was signed into law by the least popular governor Taft (R) while the corrupt (my opinion) Blackwell (R) Secretary of State was still in office.) The law allows early or absentee voting from 35 days prior to the election. They failed to change the registration requirements which are/have been 30 days prior to the election day. That resulted in the window that allows both registration and voting.

Ohio Supreme Court upheld the decision. 6 Republicans, 1 Democrat.

[Warriorbird]

There's been cheating of some sort in every Presidential election in the past hundred years. It tends to work for both sides however.

[Mabus]

Don't forget the fact that it was Kevin DeWine (R) who wrote Ohio House Bill 3 (which was signed into law by the least popular governor Taft (R) while the corrupt (my opinion) Blackwell (R) Secretary of State was still in office.) The law allows early or absentee voting from 35 days prior to the election. They failed to change the registration requirements which are/have been 30 days prior to the election day. That resulted in the window that allows both registration and voting.

Ohio Supreme Court upheld the decision. 6 Republicans, 1 Democrat.
Not going to get an argument from me on Taft or Blackwell. Both corrupt. Both gone.

The law was vague, and not well written. That is the fault of the GOP author. But it was the interpretation of the law that Brunner used, previous to the court decision, that was problematic. She looked at it as a Dem, and figured how to best use it against the GOP. She should have been looking at how to ensure a safe and fair election (unlike Blackwell). Now I place her in the same class as Blackwell.

Do you feel she was also correct in not allowing election poll observers, because the law did not specifically state they would be allowed during early voting, as well?

The court disagreed with her on that decision, and on disallowing absentee ballot requests without the "checked box" (which was the McCain campaigns screw up).

Like I said, Ohio is a mess.

Cuyahoga County is going to be fun to watch this November.

[Parkbandit]

Again.. you're mistaking the skewed reality of wrongdoing on their parts with "bias" on my side. One was more wrong, but both have committed wrongdonig. It's not a matter of hypocrisy--it's a matter of reality. Both left and right do not carry equal measures of blame on this topic.

Again.. you are trying to moonwalk your way out.. but unfortunately for you, I quoted your post.

There aren't very many people who would have a problem with a party trying "to get people to vote". It's not at all equal as a party trying to "trick and intimidate people out of voting".

There is no reality on Earth that believes those two things are "equal measures"... so please, stop making yourself look foolish.

[Parkbandit]

We can continue going round and round in circles.. If I had simply been excusing one bad behavior by pointing out another, I wouldn't have mentioned any wrongdoing on the other side. You have a problem with how I phrase both sides' wrong doing? Knock yourself out. But you're full of right-wing shit, PB, and that has nothing to do with anything that I have ever, or will ever, say.

So you have no problem with me stating:

Republicans simply want people to vote, while Democrats are constantly disenfranchising voters by deceitful practices.

Do you somehow think that I was unbiased in my judgement.. like you?

I guess it's tough for you to see under that pile of liberal bullshit you spew out every day, isn't it.

[Parkbandit]

. However, the right has a far worse record on this issue. That's not because of my "liberal bias"--that's called reality. Sorry.


And that is the problem right there. You are mistaking your liberal bullshit with reality.. when the two are generally in conflict with each other.

Well, it ONLY took you 5 posts to admit.. but I knew you could do it.

[Parkbandit]

Wee! Round in circles. You're full of shit, PB. Your inability to sift through reality and your reactionary worldview isn't my problem, no matter how much you embarass yourself trying to make it so.

Calling someone full of shit RIGHT after stating that the Right is far worse on voter fraud than the left...

You never cease to entertain.. I'll give you that Twinkles.

[Mabus]

Another fine "Get out the vote drive" by democratic ACORN!
ACORN Nevada Offices Raided - Washington Post (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/07/acorn_nevada_offices_raided.html)(watch out for the popup)

"The Nevada office of ACORN had planned a potluck dinner at its Las Vegas office Tuesday night to celebrate the 80,000 newly registered voters its staff had signed up in Clark County as part of its work with low-income communities nationwide.

Instead, their office was raided Tuesday morning by agents of the Nevada Secretary of State and Attorney General who alleged in an application for a search warrant that ACORN had hired 59 felons through a work release program as canvassers and submitted nearly 300 apparently fraudulent voter registration cards as part of the drive."

Those dem's sure do like to help people to vote, even if they do not exist.

I am sure we will hear about Obaba's and the DNC's donations and coordination with the group..., not.

[Parkbandit]

If I had any more reputation to give out, I would DISAPPROVE of your negativity Mabus.

I'll get you tomorrow.

[Mabus]

If I had any more reputation to give out, I would DISAPPROVE of your negativity Mabus.

I'll get you tomorrow.
I am sure I will do quite fine without yours, trust me.

But people, if you leave a comment, at least make it interesting.

[ViridianAsp]

Republicans are particularly well known for it, with large campaigns of misinformation (like the previously stated "parking ticket" bullshit) or targeting liberal out-of-state college students by telling them that they won't be elligible for their parent's health insurance if they register to vote in a different state..



All I have to say is. Absentee ballot. What? You can BE MAILED TO ME FROM MY HOME STATE?!

Your whole boohoo college kids can't vote in the state they are going to school in is a sham. Sorry but you can get an absentee ballot if you want bad enough to vote.

[Mighty Nikkisaurus]

All I have to say is. Absentee ballot. What? You can BE MAILED TO ME FROM MY HOME STATE?!

Your whole boohoo college kids can't vote in the state they are going to school in is a sham. Sorry but you can get an absentee ballot if you want bad enough to vote.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!

[Stanley Burrell]

A lack of home-ownership, literacy and employment are still working pretty well at keeping the deprived from voting. Despite all that Voting Act hooplah, psht.

[TheRoseLady]

Do you feel she was also correct in not allowing election poll observers, because the law did not specifically state they would be allowed during early voting, as well?

The court disagreed with her on that decision, and on disallowing absentee ballot requests without the "checked box" (which was the McCain campaigns screw up).



Actually I think that observers should be allowed for both the early voting, voting and when the ballots are counted.

I also agree that the ballots should be used, even with the mistake. It's not like the additional item affected the ballot itself.

I would have to spend some time trying to fully understand what basis she was using to make her decisions.

Fortunately it would appear that the courts are using common sense.

[Mabus]

Actually I think that observers should be allowed for both the early voting, voting and when the ballots are counted.

I also agree that the ballots should be used, even with the mistake. It's not like the additional item affected the ballot itself.

I would have to spend some time trying to fully understand what basis she was using to make her decisions.

Fortunately it would appear that the courts are using common sense.
See? We can agree on several issues.

Though we currently may stand with opposing candidates for an election, I firmly believe most people (well, voters at least) want a fair, honest, legal and verifiable election process.

[Tsa`ah]

Yea, its sick either way you slice it.

What ... people voting? Or maybe people helping other people vote?

That is pretty fucking twisted.

[Tsa`ah]

All I have to say is. Absentee ballot. What? You can BE MAILED TO ME FROM MY HOME STATE?!

Your whole boohoo college kids can't vote in the state they are going to school in is a sham. Sorry but you can get an absentee ballot if you want bad enough to vote.

You do know that around 20% absentee ballots and 25-30% of provisional ballots are disqualified (chucked into the garbage) right? It's the easiest way to disenfranchise large blocks of voters without confrontation.

[Mabus]

You do know that around 20% absentee ballots and 25-30% of provisional ballots are disqualified (chucked into the garbage) right? It's the easiest way to disenfranchise large blocks of voters without confrontation.
Source please?

[Tsa`ah]

Look it up ... I'm not your damned research assistant.

[Mabus]

Look it up ... I'm not your damned research assistant.
You stated exact figures in your post.

As a concerned voter, who just happens to be looking at his absentee ballot right now, I asked for these sources so that I could make a decision on whether to vote by mailing it in, or decide to go in person.

Either back your post up with reputable facts or don't.

That is your choice.

[Gan]

What ... people voting? Or maybe people helping other people vote?

That is pretty fucking twisted.

Yes, voting is sick sick sick.