So much for faith in the democratic process. Our voting day sucked.
Our polling station is literally next door -- fifteen feet from our front door. I went in to vote at 7am, as soon as the polls opened. I passed through a small crowd pushing literature at me on my way into the polling station (which is illegal), and once inside was greeted by the sound of the polling judge loudly proclaiming misinformation about the voting process (who refused to listen when I pointed out the inaccuracy).
There is a political watchdog organization in Philly called the Committee of Seventy. I called to report the voting problems, and they confirmed that what I'd experienced were violations of voting law and said they'd send someone over to the polling station.
When we got home, Katie went over to vote. That's when the real crap began. When she experienced the same problems with campaigning I did -- thanks to supporters of Kenyatta Johnson (see photo) -- she asked them why they weren't 10 feet from the polling station, as they are required to be. They laughed at her. She went inside to the table of the polling judge to ask about the problem, and one of the people who had been mocking her outside came in and sat down at the table. At this point it shouldn't surprise you that he proceeded to loudly ridicule her, as did the other poll workers. He said, "Does it even matter?" She said, "Yes, because it's the law." He laughed. When they had reduced her to tears, she left, unable to vote, literally to the jeers of the poll judge, campaigners, and accumulated loitering neighbors.
For simplicity in the narrative, I left out the details regarding poll workers opening the ballot booths while people were voting, the polling official refusing to allow the girl ahead of Katie to vote, the Obama campaigner roaming around in Obama apparel with literature INSIDE the voting station, and the patronizing apathy of the police who came to take the report.
Screw you, Kenyatta Johnson, Barack Obama, Philadelphia police, and United House of Prayer for All People.
Playing in the Sun (June 2015)
9 years ago
Who is this Kenyatta fellow, and how is he tied in with Obama, aside from the obvious? I'm sorry to hear about your horrific experiences, and if I had any power whatsoever, whether it be within my own home, or in the political arena in PA, I would destroy those butt clowns. This comment will have to suffice for now, but someday...
Disenfranchisement or disfranchisement is the revocation of the right of suffrage (the right to vote) to a person or group of people, or rendering a person's vote less effective, or ineffective. Disfranchisement might occur explicitly through law, or implicitly by intimidation. (From Wikipedia)
I'd contact the Obama campaign directly and tell them your story. If he is the candidate he claims to be he should launch his own investigation!
I think he would. Members of a group do not always (or often, unfortunately) represent their group the way they ought to. Either way, you should have kicked 'em in the nuts (sorry, Granny) and ran. I would have. I'm so genuinely sorry for your crappy voting experience.
PS. That poster looks suspiciously photoshopped. Does Obama even know that guy?? Hm...
Firstly, thanks Jon. We previously didn't know what a butt clown was, but it made us laugh, and this week we've had some terrific examples.
We reported the incidents to Obama and three other organizations (in addition to the police, who clearly didn't care). Hopefully someone can help prevent this sort of crap in the future.
So Kenyatta Johnson is some guy running (now that he won the primary) for a seat in the state legislature. We absolutely agree about the sketchy poster -- we have been saying for weeks that we're certain Obama has no idea who Kenyatta Johnson is, nor that his image is being used for Kenyatta's campaign. I hope he gets sued.
Just checking to see if you had posted a new post yet. Apparently not. I'll go cry now. NEW POST! NEW POST! NEW POST! (I was chanting, if you didn't notice.)
You two were in my dream last night. (Kurt & Bonnie got married...) It was a weird one, but it made me miss you guys!
Anyway, wanted to say, "HI!" Have a great day.
I'm with Becca. Just cause you're hating Kenyatta Johnson doesn't mean you should be hating us. Some more of Katie's automotive street art will do if you've got nothing else.
What a terrible experience! There you were, trying to do your civic duty and vote, when those who are supposed to uphold your civic rights were making it extremely difficult. What?
Hope you're doing well besides your voting trama! :)