» Why you are waiting in line to Early Vote

Why you are waiting in line to Early Vote

In 2006, the Republican Party fought to increase the number of Early Voting sites in anticipation of more and more voters taking advantage of casting their ballots prior to election day. Unfortunately, the Democratic-controlled Election Commission decided that their partisan interests are more important than your right to vote. Click more for a copy of our 2006 Press Release detailing what happened.

Election Commission Fails to Approve New Early Voting Sites in under-served areas

Commission disenfranchises tens of thousands of voters in fast-growing areas
Earlier this afternoon, in a 3-2 Party-line vote, the Shelby County Election Commission neglected their responsibility to serve all of the voters of the county and turned down a resolution to open new Early Voting sites in Midtown Memphis and the Arlington/Lakeland area.

Several weeks ago, the Election Commission turned down a proposal to add two additional sites, citing funding concerns. After hearing numerous voter complaints, the County Commission passed, with overwhelming bi-partisan support, a measure that authorized in excess of $250,000 to be specifically earmarked for two additional sites in under-served areas and extend the hours and days that all of the Early Voting sites were open..

At today’s meeting, the Election Commission, comprised of partisan appointments, opposed the clearly expressed intent of the Shelby County Commission, whose members are elected by the citizens.

Democratic operative and Election Commission Chairman Greg Duckett responded with yet another partisan excuse, saying that he didn’t believe that the County Commission had the right to ask him to serve voters in these areas. Democratic Election Commission member Maura Black Sullivan even noted the unfairness of the situation, admitting that there were “holes” in Early Voting service. Under pressure from Greg Duckett, Ms. Sullivan and Democrat O.C. Pleasant went on to cast a vote against the measure.

One of the recommended sites, Faith Baptist Church, had accepted the proposal of the Election Commission staff and was ready to sign the contract to host the new site for the northeastern part of the county.

After attending today’s meeting, Republican Party Chairman Bill Giannini stated “Every voter deserves an equal opportunity to cast their ballot and there should not be inequity in where these sites are placed. Due to Greg Duckett’s impotent leadership, thousands of voters will face longer lines at the polls during Early Voting.”

This is yet another embarrassment for the Election Commission under Greg Duckett’s tenure. Last Wednesday, three Election Commission employees were indicted on charges of illegal voting and making false entries in poll records in the District 29 Election scandal.

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		« Norris Joins Legislative Study on Transportation Funding Thoughts on last week’s election » Why you are waiting in line to Early Vote In 2006, the Republican Party fought to increase the number of Early Voting sites in anticipation of more and more voters taking advantage of casting their ballots prior to election day. Unfortunately, the Democratic-controlled Election Commission decided that their partisan interests are more important than your right to vote. Click more for a copy of our 2006 Press Release detailing what happened. Election Commission Fails to Approve New Early Voting Sites in under-served areas Commission disenfranchises tens of thousands of voters in fast-growing areas Earlier this afternoon, in a 3-2 Party-line vote, the Shelby County Election Commission neglected their responsibility to serve all of the voters of the county and turned down a resolution to open new Early Voting sites in Midtown Memphis and the Arlington/Lakeland area. Several weeks ago, the Election Commission turned down a proposal to add two additional sites, citing funding concerns. After hearing numerous voter complaints, the County Commission passed, with overwhelming bi-partisan support, a measure that authorized in excess of $250,000 to be specifically earmarked for two additional sites in under-served areas and extend the hours and days that all of the Early Voting sites were open.. At today’s meeting, the Election Commission, comprised of partisan appointments, opposed the clearly expressed intent of the Shelby County Commission, whose members are elected by the citizens. Democratic operative and Election Commission Chairman Greg Duckett responded with yet another partisan excuse, saying that he didn’t believe that the County Commission had the right to ask him to serve voters in these areas. Democratic Election Commission member Maura Black Sullivan even noted the unfairness of the situation, admitting that there were “holes” in Early Voting service. Under pressure from Greg Duckett, Ms. Sullivan and Democrat O.C. Pleasant went on to cast a vote against the measure. One of the recommended sites, Faith Baptist Church, had accepted the proposal of the Election Commission staff and was ready to sign the contract to host the new site for the northeastern part of the county. After attending today’s meeting, Republican Party Chairman Bill Giannini stated “Every voter deserves an equal opportunity to cast their ballot and there should not be inequity in where these sites are placed. Due to Greg Duckett’s impotent leadership, thousands of voters will face longer lines at the polls during Early Voting.” This is yet another embarrassment for the Election Commission under Greg Duckett’s tenure. Last Wednesday, three Election Commission employees were indicted on charges of illegal voting and making false entries in poll records in the District 29 Election scandal. Facebook Ping This Post Follow us on