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Voter registration effort criticized
Democrats say Republicans are applying force
STORY TOOLS 
More from County NewsCharges that a Republican Party voter registration effort is illegally forcing voters to choose the GOP label were leveled by Democratic Party activists Friday, and police were called to shopping centers in Ventura and Oxnard to keep the peace, officials said.
A spokesman for the state Republican Party said the effort is above-board, and he accused Democrats of repeating a pattern from other states of making false accusations against the group, Young Political Majors, to get sympathetic headlines from allegations that never result in formal charges.
Accusations of people being approached by Young Political Majors employees taking a survey or gathering petitions on child sex abusers but then getting registered against their will as Republicans, were filed with the Ventura County District Attorney's Office late Friday afternoon.
"We'll review the matter in conjunction with the elections officials in Ventura County," said Assistant District Attorney Jeff Bennett.
'Really, really upset'
Paid employees of Young Political Majors were accosted outside the Oxnard Wal-Mart store over their party recruitment efforts Thursday and Friday, with a minor scuffle breaking out at one point, said an Oxnard police official.
A shouting match broke out Friday afternoon between the Republicans and activists with Vote Blue, a Democratic-backed group, at the Target store on Main Street in Ventura.
Among the charges leveled by Vote Blue are complaints by at least two people that they were asked to support the petition, only to eventually get postcards from the Ventura County Elections Division confirming they had become card-carrying members of the GOP.
"I was really, really upset," said Ventura resident Tanya Sliger, 37, a medical assistant who said she answered her door to find a Young Political Majors employee with a petition last summer.
"A girl came knocking and told me she was doing a poll for the Republican Party, and I told her over and over I was a Democrat," Sliger said. "I was told I was answering a poll, but she was very sneaky, and I could tell something was up."
Thousand Oaks college student Armon Anderson, 18, said he was approached by a person to sign a petition while studying at Moorpark College. "It was like brainwashing," he said, "and he wouldn't let us register as anything other than a Republican."
Similar allegations
State Democratic spokesman Bob Mulholland said people were told they can sign the anti-child-molester petition only if they switch allegiance to the Republican Party. Even if that is legal, he said, "they absolutely cannot get away with changing party registrations."
But his counterpart for the state GOP, Hector Barajas, said similar allegations have been slung at Young Political Majors in other states and California counties, "and there are never any charges, because there are never any violations. It's easy to make the charge when there is nothing there."
Democrats working for Vote Blue have been collecting evidence and affidavits, said organizer Helen Conly. She said they presented sworn statements from people who had their affiliations changed or who were told they could not sign their names on petitions to oppose child sexual abuse unless they changed their party affiliations.
Barajas said Young Political Majors workers clearly identify themselves as being with the GOP and take at least three steps to make sure that only Republicans are marked down as such.
Young Political Majors owner Mark Jacoby, who has conducted similar registration drives in Florida, Arizona and other states, said his firm will not accept a voter registration form from an employee unless it is accompanied by a signed affidavit on a form bordered with Republican elephants, indicating that the voter understands he or she has chosen the GOP without tricks or pressure.
Political activity allowed
Barajas said Democratic bloggers are following the organizers and urging Democrats to confront the registration drive workers and to demand that store managers oust the Young Political Majors workers from shopping centers.
The state constitution allows political activity at private shopping centers so long as commerce is not affected.
A spokeswoman for the California Secretary of State said her office has a toll-free phone number for people who suspect their party affiliations were changed. It is 800-345-VOTE.
Posted by vcsexplorer11 on September 28, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jw,
That would be right and left wingers and lets not forget all their easily manipulated followers.
Posted by KatieTeague on September 28, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a Republican and I feel that Jeff Bennett should not be involved. He is a judge now and was endorsed by many Republican elected officials and has given money to Republican campaigns. I really feel this investigation should be handed over to an impartial third party.
Posted by rebel123 on September 28, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, scared that the Republicans are attempting to manipulate another election by disenfranchising registered voters. Groups in many states are reviewing voter registrations using addresses from foreclosure lists. The group mentioned in this article is doing EXACTLY what the dems are accusing them of. My mother had it happen to her! This is underhanded and sneaky. Dems and Pubs alike should want everyone to vote, regardless of who the are voting for. It is the American way. Or at least it used to be.
Posted by NowHearThis on September 28, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Like the Democrats, at least the GOP isn't registering dead people and illegal aliens.
Don't forget Democrats, because of heavy turnout this election, the election has been split up into two days. Your day to vote is Wednesday, November 5.
Posted by dgreene on September 28, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember when I turned 18, stopping at a voter registration booth to be register to vote. I clearly told the lady to sign me up as a Democrat, and when I got my voter registration card in the mail she had put Republican on there. I had to get that changed right quick, cause lord knows I ain't votin' for no republican.
(Well I would if Ron Paul was running)
Posted by twbeem on September 28, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Can't forget about Dems registering convicted felons. Political affiliation aside use your head when you vote. Don't be doped by a Susan Retard Sarandon recording calling you the week before an election telling you how to vote.I am a registered republican but I don't agree with everything they do. Both sides have their good and bad but always remember neither side is innocent and pure. Dems and Repubs are both dirty as all hell. Think with your brain not your party.
Posted by ebrockway on September 28, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jaw Dubya;
ACORN
:P
Posted by conlyhelen on September 28, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a good beginning to a critical discussion here in Ventura County between all voters and points of view. Unfortunately, we already know that the Phony Tony Strickland supporters are willing to use physical force to make their point on the street in Ventura. I believe there is a going to be a case tried against a certain Joel Angeles who works for Audra Strickland for knocking down an elderly veteran in Thousand Oaks last summer.
Go check out www.PoliticalWatchCentralCoast.org, too. Granted it is a progressive point of view. We know that this point of view has not been getting much coverage in our county for some time.
Posted by dgonzales121 on September 28, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was at Wal-Mart yesterday and saw young woman practically getting in faces to force people to register for the Republican Party. They were saying basically anything to get these people to vote! I personally don't vote, but gees people lighten up a bit. I just kept walking...
Posted by svwl on September 28, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I witnessed this type of coerced voter registration at CSUCI. Students reported to me that they had been approached upon entering the buildings and urged to register Republican. This is very common.
Airics, I'm not sure what these people are trying to do now, because it is a general election and it really doesn't matter which party you are registered to vote for. But in the primary election, it definitely did matter because you can only vote for the party that you are registered for.
Typical of McCain and how simple he thinks the voting public is, though. He probably thinks that if someone has "Republican" written on their voter registration form, they will automatically check the Republican box on the ballot. It needs to match up, right?
Posted by eclipsewatcher on September 28, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A co-worker of mine never votes. His rationale is that his vote won't make a difference, that we're screwed no matter who is in the White House. I find that viewpoint sad and cynical and basically lazy, but no amount of gum-flapping from me has ever changed his mind. Even when I've explained to him that there are countries in the world whose citizenry has NO voice and NO choice, he still doesn't get it.
I'm glad the Jury Commissioner culls names for prospective jurors from both voter registration and DMV records, so that my co-worker can't wriggle out of his other civic duty: jury duty.
Posted by ebrockway on September 28, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jay Dubya;
At this point Obama should be 20 points ahead, the polls are still within the margin of error. A tie swings McCain's way.
If Palin doesn't flub her debate, which she might, the bare lead will probably evaporate.
Better start getting the DNC lawyers dispersed now.
Posted by cassandra2 on September 28, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JW, I hope you are right. Mcbomb will bomb in CA no matter what. But in the rest of the nation, they are subject to unremitting BS from Fox, and the rest of the Murdoch faux news i.e. NYPost, Wall St.Journal, etc. and an equally daunting array of radio ranters.
And many voters go by attitude and manner instead of substance. Someone on radio gave Oabama the kiss of death--"He's sounds like a professor," he said. Another said he sounded awfully intelligent.
And there is the matter of cheating. This stuff here is small potatoes compared to the Blackwell capers, the paperless, recount-proof voting machines, the inadequate supplying of machines in Dem. areas, etc.. You want serious dirty tricks, in 3 states with Repub. S. of States, university students whose parents claim them as dependents were being officially told they can't register.
I never thought I would be complimenting Katie Teague but her comment sounds appropriately focused, knowledgeable and principled.
Posted by ibeam on September 28, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
..
So some leftists level a lame accusation and it's time to get the torches and pitchforks out. Democrat wrong doing is buried deep within the paper and ignored in other news coverage. Should anyone ever bring up some leftist incident the responses start off with 'Well..' and then continue with 'but, ...' then the apologetic explanations and closing with 'they all do it.' Then the rant about fox news or something will start.
Registering as a Republican here in commie calley forn ya is like teaching a pig to sing.
Discourse is pointless. If you disagree with the left you are unenlightened at best and evil at worst. Most of the time you are just brushed off arrogantly as a poor stupid brainwashed idiot.
To simplify the process I just vote contrary to Rob Reiner or Michael Moore.
two stupid cents
..
Posted by Tom_Johnston on September 28, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, my brief experiences with "politics" left me with the impression it is a cutthroat sort of business.
It would not, and does not, surprise me that one side or the other resorts to hmmm...underhanded or deceptive practices (to put it mildly!).
It is the nature of the game.
When either side indulges...and they both do...hopefully stories like this one come forward to remind us that voting is not for the apathetic, it is a serious obligation of citizenship.
It continues to blow me away that people don't vote (whoever they vote for)!!
Be wary, be INFORMED, be ready to hear new thoughts and judge them.
And for gosh sakes don't take every paid petitioner/registration gatherer at their "word".
Posted by dgonzales121 on September 28, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GramMars: I just said I don't vote!!!
Posted by curious1 on September 28, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For every time I've been approached by a republican campaign worker, a Democratic campaign worker has also approached me. There’s plenty of blame to throw around here. Weekend filler for the STAR. Just don’t leave your chad hanging at the box, and vote as you like.
Posted by NowHearThis on September 28, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No wonder "dgreene" is a Democrat: With due respect, dgreene is illiterate!
I remember when I turned 18, stopping at a voter registration booth to be register to vote.
•(Not a proper sentence.) This poster turned 18 at 12 midnight the date of this person's birthday. What voter registration boot was opened at that hour?
I clearly told the lady to sign me up as a Democrat, and when I got my voter registration card in the mail she had put Republican on there.
• (Run on sentence and very flawed.) Maybe, dgreene should have been smart enough to check the "party affiliation box" herself/himself.
I had to get that changed right quick,
•(What is "right quick?) How quick is, "right quick." Is it quicker than a, "jiffy?" (dgreene is probably asking now...what is a jiffy?"
cause
(No such word as "cause" relating to the shorting of "because.")
lord knows I ain't votin' for no republican.
• (Lord and Republican are capitalized. "Ain't is not a proper way to say, "am not."
• By saying, "I ain't votin' for no republican," this double negative means that dgreene is actually "votin'" for a Republican.
The aforementioned is a perfect example of an illiterate and undereducated Democrats who think they know it all. Isn't it any wonder why Democrats believe that the government has be the head of America's households?
Posted by NowHearThis on September 28, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is the STAR always...and I do mean always promoting anti-GOP stories, as if the DEMS can do no wrong. There is plenty of corruption in the Democrat Party, yet the liberal news reporting media refuses to report these sordid details.
Today, the liberal press reported negatively (again) on Sarah Palin. It never ends.
If I had millions of dollars, I would sue every last leftist-liberal news organization in this country, akin to the tobacco lawsuits of the 1990s.
Posted by svwl on September 28, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe the STAR would have more positive GOP stories if the right didn't only put forward stale old ideas that are designed to keep the rich in power and to take money from everyone else.
They report on the news and when the GOP continually does stupid things, of course they are going to report it that way.
I bet the GOPers on this discussion board didn't mind the pro-Republican coverage EVERY newspaper in America gave between September 12, 2001 and about September of 2003, when the Iraq War was clearly seen as a mistake. No, the coverage was perfectly fair and unbiased then, I'm sure.
Posted by rebel123 on September 28, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I never cease to be amazed at the level of idiocy that is spewed on these boards. First, to all those who want to save the world from "Dims"....so you'd prefer not to have a two party system? Likewise to all DEMS out there who scorn the Republican party in the same manner. A single party system is the next step toward a totalitarian regime folks. You can disagree with those on the "other" side but I'm sick of the denigration and total lack of respect. The name calling, insults, inflammatory language....it's disgusting. Supporting your own party does NOT mandate insulting others for their own views. If you can posit a position of substance and back it up, go right ahead.....there is nothing healthier politically than good debate. That does not include childish "neener neener neener" mentality name calling. Grow up.
Posted by vcsexplorer11 on September 28, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think this video decribes the republican and democrats who argue in this forum.
Posted by BillyBob on September 28, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rebel123: Well said. Its becoming difficult to draw out the actual converation from all of the vitrol and name calling.
Posted by patnray on September 30, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ebrockway wrote "Better start getting the DNC lawyers dispersed now."
You are obviously unaware of the effective organization Obama has built, nor are you aware of his long term vision and planning. He was recruiting lawyers last June and they are already dispersed.
Scapegoat wrote: "It's hilarious to hear paranoid Dims complain about being denied the vote.
Florida 2000, the 'butterfly ballot', designed by a Dim (of course)"
While many Democrats demeaned themselves by whining about Florida in 2000, rather than accept responsibility for their own failures, Obama was NOT one of them. He recognizes how the Democrats failed and has planned accordingly. He has a very strong organization in Florida that is working tirelessly to get the vote out this year.
Obama's campaign organization is a testament to his leadership ability and long range strategic vision. He has what it takes to win and to lead.
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