posted Mar 15, 2012, 9:31 AM by Show ID to Vote
On March 6th 2012, Super Tuesday in Massachusetts, citizen polling observers were prevented by election officials in a number of cities and towns in from being able to conduct legally allowable observation. Election officials have during the past two years refused to allow legal observation, placing various barriers and obstructions to prevent the required transparency of the polling place. Officials either were not aware of the laws or in some cases chose to ignore laws they were well familiar with. Esclations to the Secretary of State often bring a rebuke to city or town officials, but in many cases the officials then ignore the Secretary of State's office and continue the obstruction.
While citizen observers have been effective in preventing some elements of fraud in Massachusetts, many other examples of potential fraud are observed and yet refused to be documented using legally allowed cameras and or video equipment. |
posted Mar 2, 2012, 2:13 AM by Ralph Zazula
On Tuesday, March 6th, ShowIDtoVote is asking voters across Massachusetts to help participate in a citizen poll observation effort. The goal of the effort is to increase familiarity with Poll Observation Rules in the Commonwealth. The procedures for citizen’s to follow is fairly simple.
1. Go to a polling location.
2. Check in with polling officials and let them know you wish to be a citizen polling observer.
3. Answer any questions and follow all directions provided by officials.
4. Remember to let the officials know you will be taking photographs and videos of polling location activities.
Take notes of any directions or issues including the names of any polling officials involved. Remember that polling officials are busy and responsible for many activities on election day. Be polite and do not cause any disruptions.
You may choose to poll observe at polling location or locations in the state. Observers are not limited to the towns of residence. Observers may change polling locations but should always check in with officials.
If you are voting at the polling location, it is recommended that you complete your voting before checking in and requesting to be allowed to observe. This is very important and only fair to the polling officials.
Bring a camera or a smartphone. - It is legal to take pictures or videos inside the polling place. It is a public event. If a polling official objects to using a camera, stop using the device until procedures can be clarified. Any and all devices must be configured to be silent, no bells, no buzzers, no rings, no shutter click sounds. Escalate if necessary.
Do’s and Don’tsDO NOT EVER CAPTURE ANY IMAGE THAT SHOWS THE CONTENT OF A BALLOT.
DO NOT Talk with VOTERS!
DO NOT Talk with Poll Workers! Any discussions are to be with the Warden or Official in charge.
DO NOT Challenge a vote if you do not understand voting rules.
DO NOT Interfere with anyone voting!
DO NOT Interfere with officials while doing their jobs!
DO NOT make noise. No talking, No humming, NO PHONE CALLS, No alarms! No sounds!
DO NOT wear or display any buttons, pins, stickers, brochures!
DO NOT record audio of the voter check in or check out procedures!
Set Cell Phones and any other devices to Silent Operation. Cell phones cannot be used to make or receive calls inside the polling place. They are not allowed to ring! Go outside to answer or make calls.
Pre-Program the phone numbers for escalations! - local clerks or election board officials, campaign, attorney, Sec of State, media, relative for bail, etc.
If any problem is still not resolved, a person may contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Elections Division at 617-727-2828 or 1-800-462-8683.
Bring your own food & drink - Do not accept beverages/food from strangers. When drinking takes small sips as needed.
Watch the entire process - Fraud is more than voters voting more often than they should vote. Watch the poll workers, poll officials, visitors and document anything suspicious. Remember that as witnesses we also want to recognize and report when everything goes well!
Be friendly. Most poll workers are great people doing a super job, and we are there to help not hinder the legitimate process. Follow all instructions provided by officials. If something does not seam appropriate, it is OK to question, but avoid argument. Escalate questions and reports.
When the operation is completed or if there are any immediate issues send ShowIDtoVote photos and videos along with information of any problems. Provide details of polling locations that allowed or restricted observation activities.
Remember that an observer has a right to observe with or without devices, but never to do anything in a way that would intimidate a voter. If a voter does not wish to have a photo taken, please try and respect those wishes even if you have a right to observe. Be nice!
Photographs and videos cannot be used for commercial purposes.
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posted Oct 13, 2011, 9:26 PM by Ralph Zazula
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updated Oct 22, 2011, 12:22 PM
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Show ID to Vote will setup video recording and capture the activity on November 8th at all Lawrence Massachusetts polling locations. Efforts are being made to co-operate with all campaigns. Citizen observer volunteers are needed to operate the video and camera observation locations. Please send an email to info@ShowIDtoVote.com to volunteer or for additional information. |
posted Oct 13, 2011, 9:22 PM by Ralph Zazula
On September 20th, 2011, ShowIDtoVote functioning as citizen observers setup a video camera and recorded the entire days activity at a polling place in Massachusetts. The Video camera was positioned to capture as much of the activity as possible including voters, polling officials, voting machines, etc.
Under Massachusetts laws, the contents of a ballot cannot be captured or observed. Additionally there are restrictions on audio recording of the check in or check out procedures. Show ID to Vote followed all rules and regulations on the prohibitions.
No problems or complaints resulted from the video capture or photographs during the entire day. The Polling Officials and City Election Board was very co-operative throughout the planning and during election day!
A brief overview of the video can be found on the Show ID to Vote Youtube and facebook sites. |
posted Oct 28, 2010, 1:22 PM by Ralph Zazula
Show ID to Vote has created a Presentation Slide Show of accumulated tips, info and rules based upon Massachusetts laws for use by anyone trying to reduce voter fraud in US elections. Many of the items would be similar and applicable in most states, but volunteers should always check with polling officials on specifics.
A document of Frequently Asked Questions are also now available.
Documents can be found on the web site in the Files & Docs section. |
posted Oct 21, 2010, 8:18 PM by Ralph Zazula
A simple 8 minutes training video has been made available for training purposes.
In eight minutes we review eight examples of what to look for and how to behave as a Poll Observer on behalf of a candidate or a campaign.
Combined with a simple explanation of the rules and you can begin to identify, challenge and reduce voter fraud.
Watch the video and volunteer to watch the action at a polling place on election day.
Campaigns, candidates and State organizations are welcome to use this video for the purpose of training poll observers, poll workers or general voter information. Please contact Show ID to Vote for specific use permission. A reasonable donation is requested to help recover costs and continue with vote training programs. |
posted Oct 20, 2010, 11:21 AM by Ralph Zazula
| Time | Wednesday, October 27 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm |
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| | Location | VFW Hall 190 Plain St, Lowell, MA, 01851 Lowell, MA |
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| | More Info | We will present the current rules and guidelines regarding poll watchers. We will stage examples of how to spot voter fraud and the procedures required to highlight the issue. We want to assign teams to various locations within the District – primarily in Lawrence, Lowell, Haverhill and Methuen. Most fraud occurs in the morning – so make sure you are an early bird….
Those that are trained as poll workers, we need your help – and we need help identifying lawyers that can be on call for problems (pro bono…:-)
We are requesting $10 per person to pay for the VFW and purchase more signs for use at the polls. If you are unable to contribute, that is OK. Come and get involved! |
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posted Oct 15, 2010, 8:38 AM by Ralph Zazula
| Time | Tuesday, October 19 at 7:00pm - October 26 at 9:00pm |
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| | Location | Doubletree Hotel Westborough 5400 Computer Drive Westborough, MA |
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posted Sep 23, 2010, 9:07 AM by Ralph Zazula
Show ID to Vote is asking folks to take a picture in the Show ID to Vote pose and post it on facebook. Please distort your actual ID details or cover with a finger.
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