Nov 4, 2008 11:35 am US/Eastern
Community Monitors Report Few Problems At Polls
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Monitors from a Miami community organization reported only minor glitches and long lines after checking nearly two dozen polling stations across Miami Dade County for voting irregularities.
The so called 'voter defense teams' were from LIFFT (Low Income Families Fighting Together), a grassroots organization under the Miami Workers Center which helps working class people organize and develop their leadership capacity through aggressive community campaigns and education programs.
At 9:50 a.m., LIFFT member Chris Rice reported:
This morning we went to several precincts to make sure they opened on time. There weren't any real problems yet. The lines are long. But people are ready. A lot of people said they would stay out regardless of weather. They were determined. I got real pumped up from seeing all those young people out there. It is great to see all those young folks. They all want to be a part of history by voting. We pushed the issue of vote 'No' on 2.
Amendment 2 would amend the Florida Constitution to recognize only the marriage of a man and woman as a legal union. Critics of the measure say this would severely limit rights for gay and straight couples by outlawing civil unions and domestic partnerships.
Mia Dennis, LIFFT member and MWC canvasser, told
CBS4 that his volunteers are told to take it one step at a time when approaching voters at the polls.
If you are an outspoken person it is going to be kind of hard. You should start it off letting people know about their rights. Let them know how to handle the ballot. Then after that you talk to them about continuing to build power after the election and inviting them to our party. You go from talking about voting and their rights and then about building community power.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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