MI Dems to fight voter intimidation

Dems vow to fight voter intimidation Dems vow to fight voter intimidation HOMETOWN HEADLINES GENESEE COUNTY THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION Wednesday, October 25, 2006 By Marjory Raymermraymer@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6325 Democrats announced plans Tuesday for a program to protect voters' rights in response to what they view as intimidation by Republican poll challengers. Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer said attorneys and volunteers will be assigned to minority precincts to make sure challengers obey the law. And voters can call a toll-free help line on election day if they have problems or cannot find their polling place. The number is (888) DEM-VOTE. "We must not be intimidated," said Rep. Brenda Clack, D-Flint, who attended the press conference. "This is deja vu - again." Complaints have surfaced in Flint over the last several elections over poll challengers. Republicans say they are ensuring that the election is run properly and that there is no fraud or mistakes. Brewer said voters should know they do not have to answer questions by challengers, only actual poll workers. And, residents are still able to vote if they are in debt, have a criminal record or are behind on child support. State Rep. Lee Gonzales, D-Flint Twp., and the Rev. A.J. Pointer of the Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle also attended the 10 a.m. news conference at the Democratic campaign headquarters in Flint. - Marjory Raymer