Today’s Worcester Telegram posted an article about a Worcester Election Commission Monday night. 

According to the article:

“In sworn affidavits presented to the commission last night, most of their allegations were leveled against the community activist group Neighbor to Neighbor. The poll observers said they repeatedly saw representatives of the group accompanying people into voting booths and telling them how to vote.”

Len Mead, who attended the meeting, noted the following:

“The memo supporters responded saying that when volunteers spotted illegalities they were constantly rebuffed or treated with hostility by Democrat Poll Wardens who said the challenges to the eligibility of voters was “discrimination.”   Further the election commission was told that in one instance, at least 20 people over the course of a day reported being called by “Neighbor to Neighbor” people who identified themselves as calling from the Election Commission with instructions that voting was required.  One individual stated, “They called to send me here – what do I do.”  Another said, “I never voted before, I need you to check it over” and the “help” was given in hushed tones, in Spanish, with much touch of the ballot – pointing to spots on the ballot, and with encouraging remarks as instructions were followed.   

“The Election Commission promised to send the 12 page list of voter fraud allegations to the Secretary of State and ask for clarification of some of the issues raised, particularly the issue of whether mentally incompetent individuals under guardianship should be allowed to vote at all even with “assistance.” 

“When asked for an estimated date when a response and action might be forthcoming,  an Election Commission spokesman responded, “We couldn’t even give a range of dates knowing the Secretary of State has many issues before them now.””

One of the problems with living in a one-party state is that the voters have no way of knowing if the complaints brought on Monday night will be seriously considered by the Secretary of State.  This is not a partisan issue–it is a voter integrity issue.  A democracy (or representative republic) cannot survive unless the integrity of the voting process is protected.  I hope the Massachusetts Secretary of State chooses to protect the election process.

Further information on this story, including the letter of complaint written to the Worcester Board of Elections Commission can be found at Fleming and Hayes.  Please follow this link for more information.