Democrats seek probe into election day prank
As I was driving in to work Tuesday, June 9, 2009, I was tuned in to WVNN, the local talk-radio station. A special election was being held to fill a State Senate seat in the 7th District in Madison County, vacated by Parker Griffith.
What happened next is generating some controversy here in North Alabama. Dale Jackson, the host, mentioned that he had a letter regarding the elections being held that day and proceeded to read aloud the following, which was also posted to his website on WVNN.com at 5:22 am:
Breaking NEWS: Vote for Paul Sanford on Tuesday and Laura Hall Wednesday...
by: Dale Jackson
Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 05:22:01 AM CDT
IP Address: 127.0.0.1
Office of the Secretary of Electoral Elections
The Honorable Marion S. Barber
secretaryofelectoralelection@alabama.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DUE TO HIGH TURNOUT POLLING PLACES IN DISTRICT 7 TO OPERATE FOR TWO DAYS, ONE FOR EACH CANDIDATE
MONTGOMERY, AL - Alabama Secretary of Electoral Elections Marion S. Barber has decided due to heavy expected turnout in the 7th State Senate District race between State Rep. Laura Hall and Paul Sanford that there will be two days of voting in Madison County.
A coin flip took place at Huntsville City Hall at 5AM on Tuesday and Paul Sanford won the ability to have his voters go to the polls on Tuesday June 9th and Laura Hall's voters should go to the polls on Wednesday June 10th.
Secretary Barber stated, "This is necessary due to the unexpected turnout in an election where we planned for low turnout." She added, "We hope this doesn't cause problems in Madison County but feel this is the best way to accommodate our voters."
This letter was also posted to his website and included (for a time) the State Seal of Alabama.
During my drive in to work, there was even a call from a woman who was outraged that her right to a secret ballot was being denied because if she had to go to the poll on Tuesday, everyone would know that she was supporting the Republican candidate!! Yes, some people listening did not realize it was a "joke".
Breaking NEWS: Vote for Paul Sanford on Tuesday and Laura Hall Wednesday...
The Republican candidate went on to win yesterday. The margin was large enough that this "prank" probably didn't make a difference, though that is no excuse. Of course, it was all just a big "joke" to Dale Jackson.
This is my first diary, so if you notice any gaping holes or glaring errors, let me know! I did my best!