January 22, 2006 at 16:35:36

Stop the Lies, Fight the Fix: Don't Let Them Hide the Bodies

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By Kat L'Estrange, Posted by Joan Brunwasser (about the submitter) Page 2 of 2 page(s)

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Even though various politicos and national editors have denounced GOP voter suppression tactics, they fail to examine the full effect this form of cheating has had on voter morale. They also fail to discuss a fair remedy. Make no mistake about it: denying a legally registered voter the right to vote is cheating. In mean-spirited fashion, Republican mouthpieces continue to make the case that it is the voters and partisans at the local level who are to blame for unfair elections ignoring voter suppression and disenfranchisement altogether. Power-hungry Republicans will continue to get away with wholesale election fraud in 2006 unless the American people put up the biggest fight of their lives to stop them.

Those intent on stealing elections can hide the ballots and the vote counting, but if Americans turn out in large numbers to vote on Election Day they will be unable to hide the bodies, the proof required to contest the phony numbers spit out by the machines programmed by voting equipment vendors. It is time to put all public officials promoting or using unsafe voting systems on notice that they are breaking the law and that must stop.

Over the next nine months, it is important for people to check their registration status often especially in those states that rely solely on electronic voting machines to conduct elections. If possible, voters should obtain proof of registration prior to Election Day from the Boards of Elections offices. Do not wait until September or October to do so, although it is imperative to make one final check prior to the close of registration before the November election.

For groups involved in voter registration drives, the entire process must be thoroughly documented so that registration forms are processed accurately and in a timely manner. Follow through with the processing of registration applications if possible. Don't become the scapegoat the voter antagonists look for to divert attention from their unscrupulous actions.

If voters discover they have been moved to an inactive list, they must request to be returned to an "active" voting status at the Boards of Elections. If direct-record electronic voting machines (DREs) are the only option to cast a ballot, request an absentee ballot, which may be turned into the Boards of Elections offices on Election Day, as long as it is legal to do so. Volunteer on Election Day or at a minimum stop by and observe the process.

Encourage communities to work together to pressure local election officials to make precinct information readily available to voters prior to the election, and hold them accountable if they're not doing their jobs well. Do not allow the voting process on Election Day to fade away. Make it a point to show up and exercise the right to vote with family, friends and neighbors.

The public must dig deep in order to find the collective willpower required to stop election fraud and end privatization of public elections even as politicians and the media continue to lie about it or deny the truth while staring a criminal administration straight in the face.

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KAT L'ESTRANGE has been involved in the movement for fair elections and legitimate government since the 2000 election immediately following the controversial Supreme Court ruling in Bush v. Gore on 12/12/00. She became actively involved in the fight against continued voter suppression and disenfranchisement in Ohio after the 2004 election. She has organized national and regional book tours for Greg Palast and Dr. Bob Fitrakis, and produced The BRAD SHOW with host Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com. She currently works as a production assistant for Dorothy Fadiman, an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Kat is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces having served honorably in both the United States Air Force and California Air National Guard from 1978 to 1985. She received a B.A. in Media Communication from California State University, Sacramento. She currently resides in Eugene, Oregon and can be reached via e-mail at kinc@efn.org

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