The signs are up all over town: "Voter fraud. It's a felony." The voter intimidation efforts by Minnesota Majority, the North Star Tea Party Patriots and Minnesota Voters Alliance is under full swing. The signs are near the University of Minnesota and even in my neighborhood in south Minneapolis. They're even buying Google ads in an attempt to intimidate online.
But their efforts are not unopposed. On the left both the DFL and Take Action Minnesota have efforts to counteract these anti-democratic efforts by Republicans.
Getting back to these three conservative groups mentioned above, they have partnered to create Election Watch Integrity which is offering $500 reward for evidence of vote fraud.
What we're expecting is people standing outside of polling placing in Minneapolis and St. Paul, but possibly any area with minority voters. These "poll watchers" will be snapping pictures of anyone they think looks suspicious and will be informing every suspicious looking voter of the penalties for things like voting while a minority or voting in your first 5 years of being an American citizen. Or some such bull****.
If you want to help or you see some right wing goons intimidating voters, call:
- 1-866-OUR-VOTE
"Take Action Minnesota has two main election protection efforts planned," explained Communications Director Greta Bergstrom. "First we'll have people answering the phones and attorneys ready to respond if any problems come up."
"Second, we have targeted 90 precincts in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the inner ring suburbs were there are high concentrations of people of color and students."
If there is going to be trouble with Republicans harassing and/or intimidating voters, they will be ready. The bottom line is that we Democrats want everyone to participate and are prepared to make sure everyone gets their opportunity.
Here's Keith Ellison to explain it better than I can and tell you what else you can do about it.