State parties step up efforts to fight voter fraud

By: Amy Weaver Staff Writer | Opelika Auburn News
Published: October 27, 2008

As the Nov. 4 election draws near, both political parties are stepping up efforts to prevent voter fraud in Alabama.
The Alabama Republican Party announced its Ballot Security Program Tuesday “in an effort to put people on notice” about the possibility of fraud, according to Communications Director Philip Bryan. Under the program, an attorney in every county and a representative of the Alabama GOP will be checking absentee ballot and registration numbers each week.
Bryan said the Republicans run such a program every election year, but they have been more aggressive this year after allegations of voter fraud surfaced in Perry County after the June primary.
“One of the things we have to do is make sure the election is fair for our candidates, as well as our voters,” Bryan said.
The Democratic Party announced its Voter Protection Program Friday, the final day for voter registration in Alabama. Party Chairman Joe Turnham said the initiative was implemented statewide “in an effort to protect the integrity of every vote in Alabama, including those cast via provisional or absentee ballot.”
Lindsay Waits, communications director for the Alabama Democratic Party, said they are still fielding questions about voting misconceptions after trying to set the record straight a week ago.
Both parties have issued toll-free numbers for citizens with questions, concerns or to report possible fraud as the election approaches.
- The GOP number: 1-866-675-2772 or 1-866-675-5803.
- The Democratic number: 1-800-995-3386
Waits said the Democratic Party has been
trying to tell voters that:
- They can wear campaign-related accessories into the polls. But such material can’t be left in the polls and no one can campaign inside the polls.
- They can vote a straight party ticket with just one vote. In Lee County, she said it means connecting the area for one party or the other.
- If voters cast a straight party ticket and then also cast votes in individual races, their vote does not count twice nor does it invalidate the straight party vote.