HUGE: Judge Rules Ohio 'Poll Challengers' Unconstitutional

[WilliamPitt]

http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/110204Z.shtml

Judge Bars Challengers From Polling Places
The Associated Press

Monday 01 November 2004

Dlott hands Republicans another legal setback.

A federal judge in Cincinnati early today barred political party challengers at polling places throughout Ohio.

In another legal setback for Republicans, U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott ruled that the presence of challengers inexperienced in the electoral process would impede voting on Tuesday.

She ruled that application of Ohio's statute allowing challengers at polling places is unconstitutional.

Dlott ruled on a lawsuit by a Cincinnati couple, Marian Spencer, a former Cincinnati city council member, and her husband Donald.

The Spencers said Republican plans to deploy challengers to largely black precincts in Hamilton County was meant to intimidate and block black voters.

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