Summit County Ohio(machine problems, long lines, dirty tricks and misinformation/malfeasance in minority precincts cause

loss of vote for minority voters regarding  absentee & provisional ballots)

                      Additional documentation at end of cases

Dirty Tricks

045670

11/02/04, 3:42 PM PST

Other polling place problem

st john christian methodist, akron, summit County, Ohio

Given wrong information about polling place. Got it in mail. She was sent to the right polling place by an EP volunteer but she is not too happy she got sent this card with the wrong polling information. OVPC 2

033708

11/02/04, 8:30 AM PST

Voter Intimidation

First Lutheran Church, 249 Second St. N.W., Barberton, Summit County, Ohio

Elly from the D.C. national hotline reported that a voter called her from Barnerton in Summit County to report that a flyer is being circulated outside polling place ("C4") that says "if you have outstanding traffic tickets and you vote, you may be arrested and lose your children." OVPC8

015790

10/27/04, 6:45 AM PST

Voter Intimidation

Summit City, Summit County , Ohio

Voter calling on behalf of her 62-y-o mother who received a summons to appear before the Board of Elections because her voter registration was being challenged based on the allegation that she is not a resident where she is registered to vote. She has all the paperwork together identified in the summons to bring with her (bills, ID, etc.), but is wondering whether she needs legal counsel. She reported that the media is reporting that 4 Republicans have challenged approximately 900 Democrats' voter registration.

 

Machine Problems

040520

11/02/04, 12:21 PM PST

Machine problem

Margaret Park Presbyterian Church (732 Russell), Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Voter reports hanging chads on every punch. This is occurring on a machine that is one of the 3 "extra" voting machines brought in. O

045905

11/02/04, 3:38 PM PST

Machine problem

Erie Island Elementary School, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Ballots are breaking off and clogging the machines. This was reported by workers outside polls with the Kerry campaign. He said that several voters complained. OVPC 14

 

Confusing information regarding correct precinct

039152

11/02/04, 11:36 AM PST

Registration-related problem; Other polling place problem

Saferstein Towers, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Voter was called in July/August and told to vote as Saferstein Towers. She has previously voted at another location but that poll had been closed. Her name was not on the list posted outside at the building. She states there is no issue with a change of address since she has lived at the same place for 10 years. OVPC4 OVPC14

049113

11/02/04, 5:35 PM PST

Provisional ballot problem

Lauer Apartments, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Voter was told that she was not on the rolls. She was sent out to the wrong place and told to come back. She came back a second time. Voter was crying and not allowed to do a provisional ballot. OVPC5

041122

11/02/04, 12:44 PM PST

Polling place inquiry; Other polling place problem

Margaret Park Presbyterian Church (732 Russell), Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Precint 2I pollers told voter to go to previous poll (3M) instead of where he lives. OVPC2 OVPC14

039999

11/02/04, 12:55 PM PST

Registration-related problem; Provisional ballot problem; Other polling place problem

700 E Exchange Mason Park Shelter, DC, summit County, Ohio

According to Josh, an Election Protection Observer told him that between 10 and 20 electors had been turned away from the poll because they were not on the list. These people siad that they were long-time voters at that polling place. The poll workers were not advising the people that were turned away with respect to provisional ballots or any remedial actions. The Observer said that he has the names and contact information for the people who were turned away. OVPC4 5 and 2.

059148

11/30/04, 12:36 PM PST

Registration-related problem

666 Howard St, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Went to 3 polling locations. Refused provisional ballot. After Democratic challenge, returned. Democratic representative called her to come back.

059165

11/30/04, 1:01 PM PST

Other polling place problem

Channelwood, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Precinct is 3D but ... came to ... 3F because he was told to by the Board of Elections.

060196

12/07/04, 8:27 AM PST

Identification-related problem

Akron, Summit County, Ohio

He's voted at same place every year but this year not on list. POll workers didnt tell him about provisional ballot. Poll worker told him if he had fellony conviction in past thats probably why he wasnt on list when asked if that might be the problem.

060201

12/07/04, 8:29 AM PST

Registration-related problem

Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Poll workers do not have the "S" list and voters are being turned away.

029897

11/02/04, 5:36 AM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem; Long lines

Lawton Street Community Center, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Voter denied vote because she had been sent an absentee ballot. Told she couldn't turn in absentee there and couldn't get regular or provisional ballot. Long lines but empty booths. OVPC5 OVPC10

 

 

Manipulation of voters and malfeasance regarding provisional ballots

018490

10/31/04, 10:30 AM PST

Registration-related problem

EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH, Summit County, Ohio

Jennifer registered to vote 1-2 months ago; never heard from Summit County. Also filled out an absentee ballot application and never heard back. Called Board of Elections last week and was told no record of registration or absentee ballot application. Advised her to show up at polling place and demand to vote via provisional ballot.

029115

11/02/04, 4:37 AM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem; Provisional ballot problem

Rankin Elementary School, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Voter was not allowed to vote by regular or provisional ballot because she had been sent an absentee ballot. No place to sign-in because rolls said she had already voted. OVPC5

029342

11/02/04, 4:45 AM PST

Provisional ballot problem

Joy Park, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Election office encouraged voter, who was on rolls, to vote provisionally in order to avoid standing in long line. Voter complied.

029524

11/02/04, 4:59 AM PST

Registration-related problem

Akron, Summit County, Ohio

told she's not registered

029897

11/02/04, 5:36 AM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem; Long lines

Lawton Street Community Center, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Voter denied vote because she had been sent an absentee ballot. Told she couldn't turn in absentee there and couldn't get regular or provisional ballot. Long lines but empty booths. OVPC5 OVPC10

029929

11/02/04, 5:47 AM PST

Registration-related problem

West Minster Presbyterian Church, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Voter moved between polling places since she last voted. She then received registration card in mail directing her to this polling place, but her name not on list and she was told she could not vote. She firmly insisted on casting a provisional ballot. She filled out affidavit with poll monitor. She wishes to cast regular ballot if possible. OVPC4

030166

11/02/04, 5:42 AM PST

Other

Teamsters Local #24, 727 Grant Street, Summit County, Ohio

A voter showed up at the precinct where she used to live and where she is still registered. However, she has since moved within Ohio (I believe, but I am not certain, within Summit County). The polling monitor called at the voter's request to ask what she should do. I describe below our action taken. ovpc14

030617

11/02/04, 7:15 AM PST

Identification-related problem; Long lines; Other polling place problem

Beclcher apts., 400 Locust St., Unointown, summit County, Ohio

Asking vast majority of voters for Identificaito and this is slowing the process down for everyone and causing some to vote provisional who would not have otherwise. Very hot temperature inside is causing people to leave. OVPC 10

031580

11/02/04, 6:37 AM PST

Registration-related problem

Rankin Elementary School, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Didn't know which line to get in (two precincts at same location). Told to call BOE because his name didn't appear on the rolls. Voter had voter registration card, although poll workers did not ask him about card or help him. Not offered a provisional ballot. OVPC4

031714

11/02/04, 8:33 AM PST

Provisional ballot problem; Polling place inquiry

Erie, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Voter "forced" to cast provisional ballot b/c name not on list at polling place where he has voted for the past 16 years; he has not moved recently...no known reason why his name was missing...girlfriend, who resides at same address, experienced same problem

031976

11/02/04, 9:04 AM PST

Identification-related problem

Cherry Turner Towers 700 McKinley Avenue NW Canton, Ohio 44703, Canton, Summit County, Ohio

Voter went to vote and had registration postcard that had her identification. The postcard misspelled last name by one letter. They told her that since they couldn't find her in the book, that there was a problem with identification so they made her do a provisional ballot. She didn't bring an I.D. because she had registration card. Her name was in the registration list under another spelling.

032632

11/02/04, 7:25 AM PST

Registration-related problem

Joy COmmunity Center, Geneva, summit County, Ohio

Voter registered at Firestone Park Library on 9/30/04, never received voter registraiton card, contacted board of elections prior to 11/2 and discovered not registered, told to contact the library, contacted library and was told that they had hand delivered all registrations to the Board of Elecitons at one time.

034070

11/02/04, 8:18 AM PST

Provisional ballot problem

Joy Park, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Election official told voter she did not have to wait in line if she voted provisionally. Voter was already registered and on the rolls.

036343

11/02/04, 10:32 AM PST

Provisional ballot problem

Coventry Church Barberton, summit County, Ohio

Voter challenged by challenger. As a result, given a provisional ballot. Told him he had to vote a provisional ballot because he didn't vote in the primaries. He was registered. Did Presiding Judge question him? Dont know. Got information through Kerry campaign, Peter Norman.

037270

11/02/04, 10:21 AM PST

Registration-related problem

Barberton Church of God; 885 N. Summit St., Barberton, OH 44203, Summit County, Ohio

Voter was registered, had voter card, but name was not on list. Was forced to cast provisional ballot.

038121

11/02/04, 10:56 AM PST

Registration-related problem

Margaret Park Presbyterian Church (732 Russell), Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Voter's name was not on the list at the poll. Board of Elections should have changed it from the last election when they let her vote at the current location. OVPC4

039999

11/02/04, 12:55 PM PST

Registration-related problem; Provisional ballot problem; Other polling place problem

700 E Exchange Mason Park Shelter, DC, summit County, Ohio

According to Josh, an Election Protection Observer told him that between 10 and 20 electors had been turned away from the poll because they were not on the list. These people siad that they were long-time voters at that polling place. The poll workers were not advising the people that were turned away with respect to provisional ballots or any remedial actions. The Observer said that he has the names and contact information for the people who were turned away. OVPC4 5 and 2.

040795

11/02/04, 12:42 PM PST

Registration-related problem

erie island school,1532 peckham street akron, akron, summit County, Ohio

voter who has voted at this location for 16 years was told he was not on the registration list. he demanded and received a provisional ballot. he also related that his girlfriend who lives at the same address underwent the same treatment. (she also voted provisionally) Howebver, it was later determined at the legal center through checking the website of the county board of elections that both voters were valid registered voters. NOTE: this reporter is aware of two other similar incidents involving black voters. but their registration status has not yet been confirmed.

041867

11/02/04, 1:59 PM PST

Provisional ballot problem

Russell 732 (at Hillcrest), Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Asked to cast provisional ballot, but he refused to do so. Lives in same precinct. but moved to another street.No change of address forms.

042105

11/02/04, 1:26 PM PST

Registration-related problem; Provisional ballot problem

Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Voter's name was not on rolls, though he has lived in and voted at same location for 35 years, and wife was a former pollworker. Other pollworkers recognized him, he provided social security number, and was allowed to vote provisionally. Voter said he heard that 4 other persons had same thing happen to them earlier; he was uncertain whether those voted provisionally.

043677

11/02/04, 2:29 PM PST

Registration-related problem

285 Channelwood circle James Williams Apts, akron, Summit County, Ohio

Name not on list. told him he was not registered to vote there.

044073

11/02/04, 2:39 PM PST

Provisional ballot problem

Summit County, Ohio

Voter is registered and on rolls for precinct where appearing to vote but has moved one street over. Poll workers are asking that he vote provisional and he does not want to. They tell him they don't have a change of address form so he should go to the county BOard of Elections. Voter is in a hurry. OVPC5

044142

11/02/04, 2:35 PM PST

Registration-related problem

Joy Community Center, Akron, Summit County, Ohio

Voter registered at Firestone Park Library in Sept. 30th. Never received a voter registration card. Voter contacted the Board of Elections and was not registered. Voter was told to contact the library and was told that all registr