State Rep. John Bartlett requests added vigilence in responding to voter intimidation

INDIANAPOLIS – Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) today asked for added vigilence in responding to potential claims about voter intimidation during the Nov. 8 General Election. Bartlett is the chairman of the Indiana House Democratic Caucus and the Ranking Democrat of the Indiana House Elections & Apportionment Committee.

Please find below the two letters Bartlett delivered today to the U.S. Attorneys for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana:

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November 1, 2016

The Honorable David Capp
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana
5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 1500
Hammond, IN 46320

Dear Mr. Capp,

I am relieved that the Department of Justice has appointed an Assistant U.S. Attorney to oversee complaints related to election fraud, voting rights abuses, and voter suppression. While I have faith in our system and do not believe election fraud to be a serious issue in Indiana, I do have immediate concerns about possible voter intimidation due to the irresponsible claims by individuals in positions of authority and national political and media figures.

As you well know, candidate Donald Trump, the nominee of a major political party for the presidency, has urged supporters “to go over and watch” voting sites in “certain areas,” regardless of state laws or any formal training that permit and regulate such activity. It is my personal belief that such poll watching, which can take on a vigilante aspect when done poorly, will result in voter intimidation as people visit neighborhoods like the ones I represent.

I am concerned that such untrained partisan so-called, “watchers” already have a preconceived notion that the elections are “rigged” and will be no more than political activists causing disruption and confusion for law-abiding citizens seeking to vote. These beliefs about a rigged election system are fueled by the rhetoric of their leader, Mr. Trump, and irresponsible assertions by state officials that potential fraud exists.

It is conceivable these individuals may use this poll watching exercise as a means of “proving” a situation that does not exist. To create a situation in which non-appointed “poll watchers” create an environment of confrontation and aggression is unwise and unfair to citizens who wish to exercise their lawful right to vote.

Again, thank you for monitoring these situations closely to prevent voting rights abuses and potential violence. The right of citizens to vote and the integrity of our elections are of primary importance in a healthy democracy.

Cordially,

John L. Bartlett
State Representative
House Democratic Caucus Chair
Ranking Democrat – House Elections & Apportionment Committee
Member of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus
Indiana House District 95

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November 1, 2016

The Honorable Joshua Minkler
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana
10 W. Market Street, Suite 2100
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Dear Mr. Minkler,

I am relieved that the Department of Justice has appointed an Assistant U.S. Attorney to oversee complaints related to election fraud, voting rights abuses, and voter suppression. While I have faith in our system and do not believe election fraud to be a serious issue in Indiana, I do have immediate concerns about possible voter intimidation due to the irresponsible claims by individuals in positions of authority and national political and media figures.

As you well know, candidate Donald Trump, the nominee of a major political party for the presidency, has urged supporters “to go over and watch” voting sites in “certain areas,” regardless of state laws or any formal training that permit and regulate such activity. It is my personal belief that such poll watching, which can take on a vigilante aspect when done poorly, will result in voter intimidation as people visit neighborhoods like the ones I represent.

I am concerned that such untrained partisan so-called, “watchers” already have a preconceived notion that the elections are “rigged” and will be no more than political activists causing disruption and confusion for law-abiding citizens seeking to vote. These beliefs about a rigged election system are fueled by the rhetoric of their leader, Mr. Trump, and irresponsible assertions by state officials that potential fraud exists.

It is conceivable these individuals may use this poll watching exercise as a means of “proving” a situation that does not exist. To create a situation in which non-appointed “poll watchers” create an environment of confrontation and aggression is unwise and unfair to citizens who wish to exercise their lawful right to vote.

Again, thank you for monitoring these situations closely to prevent voting rights abuses and potential violence. The right of citizens to vote and the integrity of our elections are of primary importance in a healthy democracy.

Cordially,

John L. Bartlett
State Representative
House Democratic Caucus Chair
Ranking Democrat – House Elections & Apportionment Committee
Member of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus
Indiana House District 95