[Dialogue] URGENT: PLEASE SIGN PETITION TO ALLOW REGISTERED OHIO VOTERS TO VOTE!

[Eric Smith]

FOCUS: Ohio Secretary of State Blocks New Voter Registrations
http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/092904W.shtml

Republicans in Ohio are scared. New Democratic voter registrations are up
250% in Ohio. Democrats throughout the "Buckeye State" are prepared to turn
out in record numbers to demand change on November 2nd in federal, state and
local elections. But first, Ohio Democrats need your help fighting the
latest dirty tricks by the Ohio Secretary of State.

With only 6 days left before the voter registration deadline, Secretary of
State Ken Blackwell is trying to bar thousands of newly registered voters
from the polls. Stop him today and help protect democracy in Ohio.
http://www.act04.org/paperstock

Citing an arcane ruling requiring voter registration cards be printed on 80
pound paper stock, Blackwell is threatening to void registrations submitted
on any other paper, demanding these registrants re-apply.  But there is no
time to reapply which could leave thousands of new voters off the rolls.
Tens of thousands of Ohioans have registered online or with registration
forms printed in newspapers, copied by friends, community activists, and
even state offices.

These are valid applications that must be processed immediately. Blackwell
is also trying to impose strict rules on provisional ballots.  In 2000,
nearly 23,000 provisional ballots were cast in Cuyahoga County alone (the
greater Cleveland area).  Due to congressional redistricting after the 2000
census and the swell of first-time voters, confusion on Election Day will
run high.  Provisional ballots must be made available in accordance with the
federal Help America Vote Act. Sign the petition to stop Ken Blackwell's
latest dirty tricks. http://www.act04.org/paperstock

In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act granting every
American citizen the right to vote.  Blackwell himself has been quoted as
saying "voting preserves the freedom that we Americans cherish."

Don't sit back and let Ken Blackwell take us back to the days of selective
voting rights.   Sign the petition today. http://www.act04.org/paperstock

In June, we warned Blackwell that we were watching his close ties with
Diebold, the leading manufacturer of flawed electronic voting machines.  By
July, with over 50,000 signatures on our petition, the use of these machines
had been dramatically curtailed by local elections officials.

This time the stakes are even higher. With your help, ACT has been on the
ground fighting to register and mobilize voters throughout Ohio.  As we race
to the finish line the Republicans are running scared and resorting, yet
again, to dirty tricks.

Don't let Ken Blackwell become the Katherine Harris of 2004.  Join our fight
in Ohio.   Sign the petition and pass it on to your friends today
http://www.act04.org/paperstock

May we be inspired to cultivate peace in our hearts and work to create peace
today and every day by promoting profound respect, genuine participation,
compassionate listening, and non-violent communication,

Eric N. Smith, M.S.W.
Lasting Agreements Mediation
PO Box 40503
Denver CO 80204-0503
mediate at ipws.com
303.355.9553

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