Voter scam fliers target black neighborhoods in Philadelphia

[JPZenger]

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20081002_Vote-scam_fliers_target_black_neighborhoods.html

Philadelphia Daily News

"... voter intimidation has reared its ugly head. An anonymous flier circulating in African-American neighborhoods in North and West Philadelphia states that voters who are facing outstanding arrest warrants or who have unpaid traffic tickets may be arrested at the polls on Election Day.

Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Everett Gillison ... plans to put up statements on the city and police Web sites to let citizens know that the handouts are false. Gillison referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney's Office and the district attorney.

But telling people to beware of voting if they have outstanding warrants is an old trick. In Maryland's 2002 gubernatorial election, anonymous fliers in African-American communities warned people to pay parking tickets and resolve outstanding warrants before heading to the polls.

"It seems to be clearly aimed at lower-income voters that might have had some problems in the past and clearly aimed at discouraging people from voting," said Zack Stalberg, who heads the political-watchdog group Committee of Seventy."

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FYI: As a result of a court decision a few years ago, in PA, anyone over 18 can vote, as long as they are not actually in prison on election day. There is much confusion on that issue among the public.

[Overseas]

1. More examples of New Republican patriotism -- The Ends Justify the Means

Republican Party uber alles.