January 19th, 2010, Woburn, MA–This just in from embedded reporter Rachel Pick in Dorchester Ward 16, Precinct 11/12:
“After multiple stops to ensure that the letter of Massachusetts law was being followed at Ward 16 Polling precincts, volunteers with the non-partisan organization Americans for Limited Government noticed campaign volunteers and officials ignoring Massachusetts State Code with restricts activities that endorse a political candidate and may influence or obstruct a citizen’s right to vote.
“Volunteers for both Massachusetts Senatorial Candidates Martha Coakley and Scott Brown remained well within the 150-foot restricted area that surrounds a polling site at Ward 16, Precinct 11/12 which is located at Florian Hall in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
“When asked, the Campaign Warden for Precinct 11 informed volunteers that they had informed election commission officials that campaigners were in violation of this state code. The Commission came and cleared the campaigners.
“They, however failed to return after the first violation. Well aware of continued violations, the Warden admitted to the whistle-blowers that they did not see it necessary to see the letter of the law carried out and to ensure that voters had the opportunity to vote without being pressured by campaign supporters.
“Following the confrontation with the Election Warden, the volunteer from Americans for Limited Government Foundation asked the volunteers similar questions. Campaigners from both campaigns were uneasy with the questioning, and it was obvious to tell that they were all aware they were in violation of Massachusetts state law. Supporters of Martha Coakley, including a Boston police officer, threatened to arrest the whistleblower if audio from the conversation was released on youtube after she cited the law to him.
“More details are following, as our reporters on the ground have a lot of video footage being uploaded.”
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