Sheriff Jack Parker and his Pips--the Brevard County (Florida) Commission--have found a way to keep 138 voters from voting against them...
...prohibit registered sex offenders or predators from voting at schools, daycare centers and parks.
Instead, registered offenders would have to vote early, with an absentee ballot or by visiting one of five Supervisor of Elections offices on Election Day.
"We feel that because of all the other options that are available, that it wouldn't restrict their voting rights," said Morris Richardson, an assistant county attorney.
A county ordinance passed last year by the Commission--in cahoots with Parker--created 1,000-foot buffer zones for registered offenders around schools, daycare centers, parks and playground. Access is granted for certain exceptions, including voting.
That was before Florida granted restored rights back to ex-felons, including the right to vote.
Didn't quite count on that did you, Commissioners? In fact, back then, Chairperson Jackie Colon went as far to call those registered "animals" who "will find anyway to get around the system."
Many persons forced to register have NEVER had physical contact with a child or anyone for that matter.
Jackie is running for Tax Collector in 2008. The truth to her really doesn't matter as long as she gets the Fear Vote.
The funniest part of this article--I mean, it's so bizarre the Frog is on the edge of hysterical laughter, the type that bubbles up inside and forces it's way out, like when people laugh at funerals--is Christina Miller--the parent who made the original complain--never intended to single out sex offenders.
That would be Big Jack Parker, up for reelection in 2008. And he's got company this go around in the form of two Democratic candidates ready to remove Parker from his cross strap.
Local civil rights advocates are closely watching the county's plans -- rare in the state -- to ensure no voters are disenfranchised.
"It seems like this is just an attempt to make themselves feel good," Kevin Aplin, vice president for the Brevard Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said of county leaders.
Where exactly is the ACLU?
Oh yeah, these folks conducted a workshop in central Brevard County Thursday, 11/2/07-- educating ex-felons on
how to get their rights restored!
After speaking with officials, Brevard resident Calvin McWhite, 48, a nonviolent ex-offender who hasn't been able to vote since 1998, said getting his rights restored before the Jan. 29 primary "looks promising."
"It's important enough to have input, that every vote counts and they have to count mine, too," he said.
I hope you're right, Calvin.
It's not all bad.
Visit this link and read the community forum comments. Those that post here are die hard law enforcement supporters...and many are starting to question their god, Jack Parker.
Oh, and check out thepoll over at Cracker Radio.
Should sex offenders be banned from voting in school polling places?
Yes! They are a danger to our kids. 41.67%
No! They are short term visitors to the polling place. 58.33%
11/2/2007
Not quite the stats the Parker and his Pips were expecting.
(They've got all weekend long to doctor the stats).
But there's more...there's always more in Brevard County, Florida.
The public school system just recently decided to close the schools on election day, beginning with the Florida primary.
Email these opportunistic elected officials and candidates for public office and tell them that we are on to their dirty game.
Big Jack: jack.parker@bcso.us
The lovely Jackie: jackie.colon@brevardcounty.us
The Pips email here.
And the phone number of the bloody absent Brevard County
ACLU VP, Kevin Alpin.
(321) 768-6262
Fill the vacuum of Fear with Hope.
Read the Human Rights Watch report--
No Easy Answers.
<crossposted from <br>
Smashed Frog