PA Republicans did their part to suppress the Democratic vote yesterday by passing a law that outlaws voting places in private homes:
House Majority Leader Sam Smith denied charges by Philadelphia Democrats that Republicans were trying to make it harder for urban voters. Pulling out pictures of what he said were Philadelphia polling places, including a vacant store, Smith said: “These places are not safe. When people are sent to a polling place where it is safe and secure it encourages them to vote.”
The only two Republicans voting “no” in the House were Reps. John Taylor and George Kenney from Philadelphia. House Speaker John Perzel (R., Phila.) was absent.
Philadelphia had as many as 110 polls in private homes and another 120 in commercial establishments, including barber shops and bodegas in last fall’s municipal election. An additional 1,460 other polling places were located in public buildings such as libraries, schools, churches, synagogues and recreation centers.
Christopher B. Sheridan, policy director of the Philadelphia election watchdog Committee of 70, said that the number of private homes serving as polling stations has been dropping as city officials seek to make voting accessible to the handicapped.
“This is a 300-year-old city that doesn’t have public buildings in every neighborhood - and a lot of people can’t afford or don’t own cars,” Sheridan said. The city wants as many polling places as possible to be within walking distance.
“Even if it goes from two blocks to six blocks away,” Sheridan said, “you’re going to discourage a lot of seniors from voting.”
Dem volunteers driving people to their polling places is a common occurance in Minnesota. Sounds like PA Dems have a chance to get even more aggresive about their GOTV efforts.
Most of them know the old adage, “Dance with the one that brung you….”
I don’t see how this is an effort to supress the vote. Since one little fact you fail to mention is that many of the private homes are the homes of the democratic committe and ward leaders for the districts. Additionally I don’t fully buy the argument that there aren’t enough public buildings in every neighborhood. In most areas you are never more than 4 or 5 blocks from a church or school or something of that nature.
No, John, what will happen is that the voting booths will be consolidated with several precincts in one location, and people will have to drive or take the bus - if it’s anywhere near a bus route, that is.
In the city, there are many people without cars. There will be fewer poll workers and a lot fewer voters - especially seniors - as a result.
Philadelphia isn’t Montana. We have a million and a half residents, and there just aren’t enough volunteers to drive all those people to the polls.
This is a law specifically designed to suppress Democratic turnout. I’m in favor of increasing voter turnout, not killing it.
Why are Republicans so afraid of democracy?
If you are unable to reach the polls, in particular the seniors because of health issues there is the absentee ballot that’s free and readily available. Heck the last election I got the application in the mail sent by the republican party in a blanket mailing just in case it was needed to ensure that every possible vote would be cast.
Personally I’m not afraid of democracy I’m afraid of fraud and abuse on both sides. That’s why I was disappointed recently when Bucks Co. chose new voting machines, as required by a very flawed law, that do not have a paper record. That position I know puts me at odds with the powers to be in the republican party and I have no problem at being opposed to them.
when i lived in nyc we voted in the lobby of my apartment building.