LOD: Ballot Box Bullies

The New York Times reports on the myriad lawsuits underway and yet to be filed that could determine the outcome of the 2012 election, with who knows how much delay after November 6. Are you ready for another 5-4 presidential election by the US Supreme Court? The intensity of a tight election can bring out the worst in people. Beware the vigilante poll watchers and voter challengers. Demos and Common Cause have an excellent new report, “Bullies At the Ballot Box,” describing and evaluating the procedures to protect voters from frivolous challenges and harassment before and during the election. You can call up the report and search for “North Carolina” to read about the strengths and weaknesses of our state’s legal framework that puts the burden of proof, for the most part, on the person trying to knock individuals off the voter registration roll or challenge their vote.