Stansell Speaks Out On Voter Intimidation Tactic
Posted on July 30, 2008 at 10:34 amEric Stansell comments on his opponent’s decision to name names of declared supporters who had yet to early vote in a recent email:
“I was disappointed to learn that my opponent chose to widely distribute the names of those who have voted so far in our primary in a blast email. While this information is public record, I believe that choosing to distribute it to advance a personal agenda shows poor judgment and could have a chilling effect on the electorate. Finding a benevolent purpose in explicitly noting these names eludes me, but it is my hope that the purpose was not to coerce those who had not yet voted into doing so by not-so-subtly reminding them that they are being monitored, as has been suggested by others. To clear up the matter and assure voters that the intent was a proper one, I invite Mr. Stewart to explain to the voters of District 52 the reason for the inclusion of the names of early voters in his campaign email”, Stansell stated.
Stansell continued, “The voters in District 52 will make their decisions within the time allowed, and in any case, it is the decision of each individual voter as to for whom, when and even if he or she will vote in the election. Because of this, I am concerned solely with trying to reach as many voters as possible and, hopefully, giving them reasons to vote for me. I believe that voters can get a pretty good idea as to the way that each of us will act as an elected official by observing how we go about running for the position. That is why I have been working hard to try and speak with as many people as possible throughout the district, rather just spending money and sitting back and waiting for citizens to vote for me. No person is entitled to any elected position, and we both owe the people of this district the courtesy and respect of acting in a manner befitting the position of State Representative.”
