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| "It's rigged, it's rigged, it's rigged!" |
Authorities in Philadelphia will station prosecutors throughout the city on election day to respond to any reports of voter intimidation or other illegal activity after Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump claimed that polling might be “rigged” in this mostly minority city.
Philadelphia is one of many U.S. municipalities wrestling with how to respond to Trump’s call for supporters to “watch” polling places, and corresponding promises from civil rights groups that they will send their own backers to the polls.
“All of our election judges will be provided with cell phones that have direct access to the district attorney’s office of Philadelphia,” said Tim Dowling, chief deputy to City Commissioner Lisa Deeley. “As soon as you cross the line, you’re going to be dealing with law enforcement.”
This week, Trump told supporters to “watch” polling places in such cities as Philadelphia, St. Louis and Chicago - all with large minority populations. As Trump has slipped in the polls, he has repeatedly said the election is “rigged” against him.
In Philadelphia, teams from the district attorney’s office will be stationed throughout the city, ready to respond at a moment’s notice, Dowling said. The city is also increasing security at polling places, demanding for the first time identification even from credentialed poll-watchers sent by political parties.
The city has activated such teams in previous elections, but this year there are more, and they will be set up at police stations.
“Because of all the rhetoric, we’re erring on the side of caution,” Dowling said.
Other states are facing similar challenges with election officials all over the country being forced to assure worried voters that the election is not being rigged.
Gee he is not even the President, and he is already sowing the seeds of mistrust among the American citizens.
Good job Republicans, good job.
Source http://ift.tt/2ezkWPj
