Virginia not ready for Election Day surge, voters group says
Cross-posted to barackobama2008
Virginia not ready for Election Day surge, voters group says
By Debbie Messina
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 9, 2008
NORFOLK
A national voters protection organization said today that Virginia is among seven states it studied that are unprepared to handle the anticipated surge of voters in the Nov. 4 election.
The Advancement Project charged that many precincts within six cities they studied in Virginia do not have sufficient voting equipment or staffing. The result, the group said, is long lines that could discourage or prevent voting.
The group maintained that some precincts with a high percentage of minority voters appear most vulnerable.
Judith Browne, co-director of the organization, said, “Election officials need to take immediate steps to avert an Election Day meltdown.”
Norfolk and Virginia Beach were among the six Virginia cities studied by the group because of the active voter registration efforts that have taken place.
“There are potential serious problems in all six cities and counties,” said Jim Freeman, a staff attorney for the group. “Norfolk and Virginia Beach are certainly at or near the top of the list.”
The Advancement Project sued to gain access to voter registration forms that the Norfolk registrar’s office rejected in the November 2005 gubernatorial elections. The State Supreme Court ruled that the group could inspect the forms if the Social Security numbers were erased.
Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com
Virginia not ready for Election Day surge, voters group says
By Debbie Messina
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 9, 2008
NORFOLK
A national voters protection organization said today that Virginia is among seven states it studied that are unprepared to handle the anticipated surge of voters in the Nov. 4 election.
The Advancement Project charged that many precincts within six cities they studied in Virginia do not have sufficient voting equipment or staffing. The result, the group said, is long lines that could discourage or prevent voting.
The group maintained that some precincts with a high percentage of minority voters appear most vulnerable.
Judith Browne, co-director of the organization, said, “Election officials need to take immediate steps to avert an Election Day meltdown.”
Norfolk and Virginia Beach were among the six Virginia cities studied by the group because of the active voter registration efforts that have taken place.
“There are potential serious problems in all six cities and counties,” said Jim Freeman, a staff attorney for the group. “Norfolk and Virginia Beach are certainly at or near the top of the list.”
The Advancement Project sued to gain access to voter registration forms that the Norfolk registrar’s office rejected in the November 2005 gubernatorial elections. The State Supreme Court ruled that the group could inspect the forms if the Social Security numbers were erased.
Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com