My partner is in a class where they have to write a paper on the social justice topic of their choice (lucky bastard). In light of the Republican plans in Michigan and elsewhere he's chosen voter caging. Seriously, if you want to get really stressed out and pissed off you should read about this stuff. It's amazing to me that people who claim to be principled and have all the "family values" would behave this way so openly. OK, actually I'm a little too cynical to be amazed by it, but it's still deeply disturbing.

One of the things that makes it so disturbing is the fact that by targeting lower-income areas they double their effectiveness. Even if many of the voters they challenge can establish their legitimacy, just by bringing all of these challenges they've slowed down the voting process enough so that many people who may have voted will not be able to wait in the (now even longer) lines. Not all of us work for employers who give you an unlimited amount of paid leave on election day to wait in line.

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September 12, 2008 3:17 PM

[0+|0-]  Kathryn said:

This practice is SO wrong. but there is something to be done (aside from writing letters and whatnot).

Both of my parents are attorneys, and they've been able to volunteer through our state (KY) to be advocates at the polls. basically, they're asked to know voter rights, sit at the polls, and be non-partisan advocates for anyone that has their right challenged. I don't know if you have to be a legal-type to do this, but i know there are plenty that read feministing. i urge anyone that has the time and ability to volunteer on election day to contact their state's board and see about ways they can help keep voters from being turned away.

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September 13, 2008 4:43 AM

[0+|0-]  Lee said:

I'm new here, but I'm so happy to see that you covered this article. I read it few days ago and have been totally freaking out about it. I don't have the ability to go help at the polls, but I figured I'd give the letter writing a try, so maybe it would get more coverage in mainstream media. (Wishful thinking, but it's worth a shot.)

On the up side, I just came across an article in Newsweek online, here:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/158392

So, hopefully the word will spread.

Lee

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