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Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices
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To: FJB who wrote (1272055)10/22/2020 7:31:30 PM
From: Brumar892 Recommendations

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rdkflorida2

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Kevin Davidson

Officer of Election at Fluvanna County, VA (2018–present)

Trump has encouraged his "people" to stand by and watch over polling places. How much does this concern you? Do you think people are going to be intimidated or afraid to vote?


The Trump pickup truck caravan that descended on Fairfax, Virginia, a traditional Democratic stronghold, on the first day of early voting was intimidating according to some voters and poll workers. They initially blocked access to the polling place, but were forced by officials to move back 40 ft as required by state law. The county supervisor escorted some voters who felt intimidated back to their cars. [1]

Intimidation of a voter is a crime in Virginia, but it’s hard to judge between protected free speech and intimidation.

We all remember what happened in Michigan after President Trump tweeted “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!”. Gun-carrying extremists stormed the capital building. [2]



(Getty Images)

So yes, I am concerned that some nut jobs will show in some places up to intimidate voters. [3] It’s hard to gauge how many. After Trump’s plea during the debate for his supporters to go watch the polls nationwide, I fear it will be a lot.

I’m not personally concerned about my own rural Virginia precinct where I’ll be a poll worker. We’re a peaceful place and mostly vote Republican.

Update: I got my poll worker training last night, and we talked about conflict resolution more than in the past, and specifically how and when to bring in law enforcement. Virginia is an “open carry” state, so voters can be armed. Since by law someone cannot be refused a vote because they won’t wear a mask, there may be conflict between anti-maskers and other voters in line. Just a contingent of Trump supporters not wearing masks can cause disruption.

Footnotes

[1] Trump supporters protest outside Fairfax early voting site
[2] Coronavirus: Armed protesters enter Michigan statehouse
[3] A Pro-Trump Militant Group Has Recruited Thousands of Police, Soldiers, and Veterans
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