Concerns about election vandalism and voter intimidation ahead of the November election

ROCK ISLAND, Ill (KWQC) – With voter registration deadlines and early voting across the country, many fear individuals can negatively impact the democratic process.

Some have expressed doubts about a fair election, but others are now worried about these claims and how they could affect voter turnout.

But what is voter intimidation and how concerned should you be?

Well, voter intimidation, sometimes called voter suppression, is a strategy used to disrupt the electoral process. Although the concern is real, the first thing to remember is that you will likely have a normal voting experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned voter or voting for the first time, Timothy Hagle, associate political science professor at the University of Iowa, has tips if you find yourself in a situation during the election.

“The first thing you should do would be to contact your local election officials and let them know what’s going on. You know, maybe it’s someone. Yelling at voters outside of a polling place or, you know, it’s a seemingly threatening manner or whatever it may be. And they might even not allow you to vote, because here too the question usually arises as to whether you are actually registered or a suitable voter. You can cast a so-called provisional ballot. You should at least allow this to ensure that you can hand it in and check later that you were or are properly registered. The relevant qualifications have not been disqualified in any way. Whatever it may be,” Hagle said.

The poll workers who are on site at your polling location are always in contact with your county clerk or auditor and can report the matter immediately.

Hagle continued that the worst-case scenario is that someone is at a polling place and is behaving in a threatening manner. You can call the police at any time to have them sort out the problem.

Each state has certain restrictions on political activity near polling places when voting is taking place, such as: Such as limiting the display of signs, distributing campaign literature, or soliciting votes within a predetermined distance (usually 50 to 200 feet) from a polling place. Some states also specify what clothing voters can wear to polling stations.

As for local voter intimidation laws, take a look at the table below, which provides information on voting bans on both sides of the river:

From banners to flags to yard signs. Many are expressing their support for candidates running in the upcoming general elections.

Well, a Rock Island family woke up to find their yard sign defaced.

The Dragoo family said the fact that their sign is defaced on both sides with black spray paint is a sign that nothing, not even personal property, is off the table in this upcoming election.

Her reaction – speechless.

“My jaw dropped and I gasped, and I can’t say I was completely surprised after working in human resources for ten years, but this is the first year we’ve had a political sign in our backyard “That’s why we decided to do this,” said Anna Dragoo.

The sign is still up and they have a message they want to spread.

“I think it’s really paramount that our community comes together right now, and coming out and covering up someone’s sign saying their political beliefs doesn’t really do anything to advance the discussion, and that’s what I am.” How can we come together? How can we make our country better and have a good future for our children? We stopped caring about it, so we didn’t necessarily try to hide it. This is the reality we live in and we will not back down. “Don’t be intimidated. We’re going to continue to vote the way we’re going to vote and we’re going to continue to be out there spreading that message of love and kindness,” Dragoo said.

We have reached out to various local police departments and political party groups to see if there have been a spate of reports of these acts of vandalism, but have not yet received a response for comment.

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