GOP Poll Watchers Denied In Polling Locations In Macon And Greene Counties
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: November 3, 2010
While it appears as if every other county is following state law pursuant to poll watchers, officials in Macon and Greene counties are ignoring the law and refusing to allow GOP poll watchers inside polling locations.
The Code of Alabama clearly states that:
“In general elections poll watchers may be named by the chairman of the county executive committee, by nominees for office, or by beat committeeman so long as the limit on one watcher per party or organization per polling place is not exceeded.” 17-8-7
The poll watchers that are being turned away have in hand the appropriate poll watcher appointment forms signed by U.S. Senator Richard Shelby – who is in fact a nominee for office.
Rep. Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn), Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, demanded that the officials in Macon and Greene allow GOP poll watchers into the polling locations immediately.
“The law is clear and these two counties have no right to refuse poll watchers who are simply protecting the vote of Alabama’s citizens,” Hubbard said. “We have contacted the appropriate elections officials; however pressure must be put on these counties to abide by the Code of Alabama.”
“This is not about Republican or Democrat, this is about ensuring the sanctity of our elections,” Hubbard added. “The last thing anyone wants is for irregularities to occur that stain the results of today’s election. Voter fraud is real and having transparency at the polls is a must, and these counties should defer to state law instead of their own political agenda.”
