Here is the complaint. I have learned from the Michigan Secretary of State’s office that Michigan has joined the list of states bypassing the Eric Holder Justice Department and is filing Michigan’s redistricting plan with the United States District Court in D.C. Smart move. The Justice Department has exhibited profound bias in the enforcement of federal voting law – which of course I cover in detail in Injustice. Columnists at PJ Media have been calling for states to bypass DOJ. Arizona, Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia have all gone to federal court instead of giving the bureaucrats inside the DOJ power to approve or reject their new redistricting plans under the Voting Rights Act. Michigan is the first northern state to bypass DOJ. The reason states are bypassing the Holder Justice Department is the Holders Justice Department’s reputation for Civil Rights Division overreach. Left wing academics sought unsuccessfully to scare states off of pursuing the option of federal court, but those efforts have failed. The Justice Department has a history of court sanctions and fines when it comes to bad behavior in redistricting. States want neutral judges instead of partisan Voting Section bureaucrats deciding these issues.
Reposted from PJ Tatler.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
NAACP, Unions, La Raza intend nationwide protests over Voter ID laws
At the link, groups ranging from the Urban league, teacher and health care unions and Hispanic activist groups intend to bus in 10,000 members to the Mid-Atlantic region to protest voter ID laws. The protests will culminate in a “day of action” on December 10, 2012 at the United Nations on international human rights day.
The NAACP is joining with minority and labor groups for a series of protests around the country meant to move discussion of voter identification laws out of policy circles and onto street corners, the organization’s president said Tuesday.
Benjamin Todd Jealous appeared on the steps of New York City Hall with the Rev. Al Sharpton, U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel and community and labor leaders to announce plans for nationwide protests on Dec. 10 and across the South in the following weeks, decrying what they described as a nationwide voter suppression effort.
DOJ asks for permission to argue illegal aliens should be counted for redistricting
In the City of Irving case, the Department of Justice has asked for permission to make oral arguments that illegal aliens and noncitizens should be counted for state and local redistricting purposes. As reported earlier at ELC here, this position has the effect of diluting the legislative power of American citizens and shifting power to noncitizens and illegal aliens. In areas with high citizenship, 100,000 citizens (for example) would have one legislator. In contrast, areas with high illegal alien populations (say 20,000 illegal aliens, 10,000 green card holders and 70,000 citizens) would also get a single legislator. DOJ’s position gives one legislator to 100,000 citizens, yet one legislator to 70,000 citizens who are likely heavily Hispanic.
The request to offer oral arguments means that DOJ is devoting significant resources to push this point. It is obviously a priority.
Photo ID will Take Effect on January 1, 2012…
…in Texas, unless DOJ decides to challenge the Supreme Court on the fundamental nature of this election procedure.
A big change are coming soon to the voting process. Beginning January first, all voters will have to present a state-issued photo ID to cast their vote.
“It was more for voter fraud because right now, I could come in with an electric bill with a woman’s name on it and they could use that,” said Mitzi Scheible, Ector County Courthouse.
Texas joins 6 other State’s with this Voter I.D. law, which some say is causing barriers in the voting process, especially for the elderly and minorities. Who may not have a driver’s license or photo ID.
“I’m very disappointed in those who have been so engulfed in politics that they’re just stripping away the rights of individuals,” said Gene Collins, N.A.A.C.P.
Scheible says most frequent voters she sees, already have photo ID’s.
“A lot of times people come in and they just hand us their drivers license right now,” said Scheible.
RI Now Requires Voters to have Photo ID
At the link. An update in Rhode Island on the staggered implementation of voter ID. While the article states that RI now requires voters to have photo ID, the actual legislation allows other non-photo documentation to be accepted until 2014 where the photo ID requirements is fully implemented.
One of the senior Black Americans in Rhode Island, Senator Metts, commented:
As a minority citizen and a senior citizen I would not support anything that I thought would present obstacles or limit protections,” said Senator Metts. “While I’m sensitive to the concerns raised, at this point I am more interested in… stopping voter fraud. Hesitation based on potential ramifications of what may or may not happen at the expense of the integrity of the system is no longer an option.”
Governor Lincoln Chafee, no hardcore conservative stated:
After signing the new legislation, Chafee defended his stance, stating that he “met with a number of experts on both sides to discuss this complex issue,” and “spoke with representatives of our state’s minority communities… [finding] their concerns about voter fraud and their support for this bill particularly compelling.”
NC lawmakers OK redistricting patch-up
at Link.
Wisconsin: Muskego Polls Maintain A Brisk Pace With ‘Soft’ Voter ID Implements
Here at the link. School referendum draws a good response despite the weather, and pollworkers begin to incorporate procedures before voter ID goes live in 2012.
DOJ monitored elections in Oakland (CA)
KGO: “According to the Justice Department’s website, the federal government filed a complaint against Alameda County in June alleging the county violated the Voting Rights Act by failing to provide “efficient access to the electoral process for Spanish and Chinese-speaking citizens who need language assistance and translated materials” in order to vote. In July, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s office announced an agreement with Alameda County requiring the county to provide election information and materials in Spanish and Chinese, according to a Justice Department statement.”
DOJ monitored Ohio elections for Spanish ballot use
Lorain (OH) allowed DOJ monitors for the election. More from CantonRep.com.
Voter ID landslide in Mississippi
Not even close, voters approve Voter ID.