Bogus flyers in Milwaukee advertised that citizens couldn't vote if they had unpaid parking tickets. Gunmen in Arizona stood in a heavily Latino area to intimidate and scare away voters. And a poll worker on a power trip took it upon himself to tell a Spanish-speaking voter that she could not vote.
Do you think these things should be part of fair and free elections? Neither do we.
Voter harassment and intimidation at the polls is not a thing of the past. Forty years after the Voting Rights Act, citizens across the U.S. continue to be deceived and intimidated as they try to vote.
Over the past two election cycles, Election Protection has documented attempts to influence voters through dirty tricks in more than 30 states. Voters deserve better.
The Deceptive Practices bill would help ensure that every eligible American voter has the chance to cast a meaningful ballot in 2008. If passed, this bill would criminalize deceptive practices and intimidation, and give citizens the power to report incidents so they are addressed effectively.
Tell your Senators to support the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act today.
Dear Senator,
As a constituent and a supporter of National Campaign for Fair Elections, I urge you to support swift passage of the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act.
During the past few election cycles, our nation's democratic process has been threatened by countless examples -- from more than 30 states -- of nefarious tactics used to prevent low-income and minority voters from exercising their right to vote.
In Milwaukee, bogus flyers told people they couldn't vote if they didn't pay their parking tickets. In Arizona, armed gunmen were reported intimidating, mocking and misinforming voters in heavily Latino precincts. In Pennsylvania, a poll worker pulled a Spanish-speaking voter's ballot from the machine and told her it was his job to make sure she didn't vote.
These outrageous acts of intimidation and deception must be stopped before the 2008 elections -- which is why it's critical that you help move the Deceptive Practices bill onto the President's desk as soon as possible.
I hope you'll take this opportunity to do your part in upholding the values of justice and equality that have long made America a world leader in free and fair elections. Nothing less than our democracy is at stake.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to hearing from you, and to watching your action on this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
