Chair's Message: Voter Suppression - Rumor Control

Dear Democrat,

As we approach the final month of this exciting campaign, we need to check the facts and know the truth about what we hear and read. The volume of misinformation - from simple error to calculated attempts to suppress democratic voter participation - will no doubt be very high.

FOR EXAMPLE: Wearing Campaign T-shirts or Buttons When Voting

An e-mail circulating among Maryland voters is attempting to spread the rumor that voters will be prohibited from voting if they appear at the polling site with any visible candidate paraphernalia.

That simply is not true!

From the Maryland State Board of Elections RUMOR CONTROL:

Fact: A voter may wear campaign paraphernalia (buttons, t-shirts, or stickers) into the polling place while he or she is there to vote (the voter may not linger in the polling place after voting). However, an election judge, challenger and watcher, or other person stationed inside the polling place or within 100 feet of the polling place may not wear or display campaign materials.

FOR EXAMPLE: Home Foreclosures

There is also concern by some that voters might be turned away because their home may be subject to a foreclosure proceeding. This stems from reports that Republicans in other states are reportedly compiling lists of home foreclosures in Democratic neighborhoods in hopes of challenging voter eligibility at the polls.

This cannot happen in Maryland!

From the Maryland State Board of Elections RUMOR CONTROL:

Fact: Maryland's Constitution (Art. I, § 1) guarantees each citizen who is 18 years old and a resident of the State the right to vote. The fact that your home is in foreclosure has no bearing on your right to vote. It may, however, effect where you vote. If you have left your home and taken up a new residence, you will need to update your voter registration (by October 14, 2008) and vote in the election district and precinct for your new residence.

Please forward this e-mail to your friends, neighbors and lists. Help us spread the word that Maryland does not tolerate voter suppression in any form.

Go Obama/Biden!

Sincerely,  

Michael Cryor
Chair
Maryland Democratic Party