As this story reflects, a City of Denton (Texas) jailer named Chris Saunier told someone who had been arrested on a traffic offense that he could be released from jail if he voted for McCain. This exchange occurred on Election Day, meaning that the jailer would prevent the guy from voting unless he voted the jailer's way.
The arrested voter refused to give in, later posted bond and then cast his vote for Barack Obama. It was his first time voting. What a great experience, right?
The incident was captured on closed-circuit video, so the facts are not in dispute. The City of Denton Police Department, in all its wisdom, has recommended a 2-day suspension of the jailer. Does that sound fair to you? If not, look below the jump.
Tell each of the following people what you think about Jailer Saunier receiving only a 2-day suspension for his violation of this voter's civil rights.
Call Chief of Police Roy Minter at 940-349-7923. CORRECTION--per his assistant's voice mail, call 940-349-8181, option 9.
Call Lt. Lenn Carter, responsible for Internal Affairs in the "Office of Professional Standards," at 940-349-7924.
Call the City Manager George Campbell at (940) 349-8307.
Call the City of Denton Councilmembers (via City Secretary Jennifer Walters) at (940) 349-8309.
Here's the quote from the story:
According to police, Aruto Ntel, 25, a senior at Texas Woman’s University, was pulled over for speeding about 10 a.m. on Nov. 4 as he was going to vote for the first time. Mr. Ntel was arrested on an outstanding warrant from McKinney for driving without insurance, said Capt. Carter.
Mr. Ntel said he was taken to the Denton City Jail, where Mr. Saunier dangled a key in front of his face and told him that he would be released if he voted for John McCain. The incident was captured on closed-circuit video.
Mr. Ntel posted bond and later voted for President-elect Barack Obama.
UPDATE: Here is an earlier story (I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner!), indicating that the voter recently became a U.S. citizen. Welcome to America, my friend!
UPDATE II:
There is some debate in the comments below about potential offenses. This info is from the comments to the newspaper story, but I don't vouch for the accuracy--it relates more to the initial arrest than to what the jailer did:
Texas Elections Code:
Sec. 276.005. VOTER'S PRIVILEGE FROM ARREST. A voter may not be arrested during the voter's attendance at an election and while going to and returning from a polling place except for treason, a felony, or a breach of peace.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/