Since polling stations across the country opened this morning, much of the commentary has included the usual complaints. Long lines and extended waiting are known to accompany Election Day, especially if you live in a densely populated area.
Unfortunately, these run-of-the-mill problems are not the only difficulties many voters are encountering today. Some of what voters are experiencing today has been “unprecedented,” according to Patch.com. In battleground states such as North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and even states like Maryland and New Jersey — countless concerns from dedicated citizens are being reported.
This morning, in Pennsylvania, voters reported that people were blocking the doors to polling locations and handing out fliers at a number of Philadelphia precincts; due note, the fliers are not the problem — denying people entry to cast their vote is wrong, however. Other reports from the state have revealed that some machines are not working correctly and election workers are failing to show up.
In North Carolina, Durham County’s local board of elections has reported that due to technical difficulties, voters will be given paper ballots to cast their votes, rather than using machines. Officials say that this has not impeded the voting process.
In New Jersey, a man holding a Donald Trump sign was asked to move away from the polling location — apparently he was “standing too close.” The man cooperated and there were no further issues.
Most concerning, however is what was reported by Prince George’s County in Maryland. The Board of Ed reported that voters were becoming uncomfortable and felt intimidated by people taking their pictures.
Many states have laws that allow for volunteers to watch the polls; voter intimidation, however, is a federal crime. Who exactly was taking pictures of the voters was not disclosed, but it is easy to understand why having your picture taken at a voting station would be unnerving.
The Civil Rights Division staff members of the DOJ will be available to take reports of voter intimidation and other possible violations of federal voting rights laws. The Election Protection Project is another nonpartisan resource available to concerned voters.
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