bullies.JPG

Common Cause is out with an extensive report on the growth of state laws aimed at suppressing, discouraging or harassing voters from targeted demographic groups.

The nonpartisan report need not state the obvious, that this is part of a universal Republican strategy and the laws to advance the strategy are not in place in Arkansas only because the Republican Party doesn’t yet have a legislative majority here. The Republican Party hopes to achieve a majority in elections this year, in part with financing from the same deep pockets pushing Voter ID and other voter discouragement legislation.

Advertisement

The immediate concern is poll bullying THIS election, particularly in 10 key presidential election swing states, as the Common Cause news release explains. Common Cause is expecting an outpouring of intimidation by Tea Party-leaning groups to challenge voter qualifications in targeted communities (poor people and immigrants). This work is far from unknown in Arkansas. U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin was a specialist at minority voter suppression when working for the Bush White House. Republicans from time to time have employed poll “hovering” in Arkansas to send a chill among certain voter groups, particularly black communities.

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Digging into a cheeseburger at The Root Cafe Next article Oxford American names Roger Hodge as new editor