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2020 Election: How to spot, report voter intimidation

Voter intimidation is when someone creates a hostile environment at the polls to try and stop voters from casting their ballots.

ALABAMA, USA — Voter intimidation is not new to the 2020 general election, but it seems it has become more public.

You may have seen posts going around online encouraging people to stand at the polls on election day for "ballot security." This is seen as a form of voter intimidation. Election officials in Madison County say there are rules in place to make sure that does not happen.

Madison County Probate Judge Frank Barger said, "Our number one goal is to ensure that we administer the election in a very transparent and as efficient way as possible, and so we don't have any patience for intimidation."

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Voter intimidation is when someone creates a hostile environment at the polls to try and stop voters from casting their ballots; however, there are legitimate poll watchers.

A poll watcher is partisan. Their role is to stay at a polling place to make sure their party has a fair chance.

In general elections in Alabama, poll watchers must be appointed and swear not to disturb or try to influence voters. They are simply there to monitor election workers and keep track of voter turnout for their parties.

For more information about poll watchers click here.

"If you're not a voter, if you're not an election worker, or if you're not a poll watcher, then you shouldn't be at a polling location," said Barger.

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There are other rules on election day to prevent voter intimidation.

People cannot linger at the polls, and campaigners must stay at least 30 feet away from any polling place.

If you see anything that appears to be voter intimidation at your precinct, you can report it to your local circuit clerk's office or to law enforcement.

"If there are any issues whatsoever. We are positioned along with the support of the Madison County Sheriff's Department to respond immediately if we have any issues or concerns," Barger said.

For our full voter guide, click here.

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