Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 29 October 2004 — Page 7

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A7

, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2004

VOTE P- Continued from Page 1 the Concerned Clergy, a joint organization of ministers, civil rights activists, politicians and other socially conscious citizens. “We are here to (strongly) urge every Marion County resident who is registered to exercise their right, to vote," Concerned Clergy secretary Marge Oakley said at the beginning of the conference. “Vote for your future, your children’s future, and the future of America ...but please just vote.” Also present was Cordelia Lewis-Burks, coordinator of Operation Big Vote, who said her group is ready to offer rides to the polls for people who lack transportation, and give information to voters who are not sure where they should go to vote. It has been widely recognized that the recent political and legislative gains made in state government by African American Hoosiers could be jeopardized by low voter turnout. Currently, the Indiana House of Representatives has eight African American members, four of whom hold the chairmanship of powerful committees responsible for responding to needs in areas of critical concern to their African American constituents, especially in regards to education and health issues. All the African American legislators are Democrats, but their party controls the House chamber by only a narrow margin of 51-49. If Republicans win control of the House this year, the influence of these men and women and their ability to effectively represent the Black electorate could be seriously diminished. Also, the Indiana governor’s race between incumbent Joe Keynan and his Republican opponent Mitch Daniels is the closest ever. Many activists are concerned that a Republican governor might be cool or indifferent towards urban needs presented by a Black Democratic caucus. Finally, voters have a fresh opportunity to elect people of color to the local offices of Marion County Coroner (Kenneth Ackles) and Treasurer (Michael Rodman). But this opportunity could be lost if participation from Black voters is weak on Election Day. Some observers, however,

were.beaten, jailed and even killed for this right, so it would be disrespectful to their memory not to exercise it.” Slash’s comments were far from an exaggeration. In Indiana during the 1920s for example, the African-American political presence was somewhat diluted by Ku Klux Klan supported candidates who dominated state and local offices. Many believe that if minorities could tear down and overcome the barriers presented by historic challenges such as that, they should not waver in the face of any intimidation today, whether it’s in Florida or Indiana. Theoretically, if a high level of registered African-American

voters participate in this year's election, then attempts to silence their voice will be neutralized. Slash added that the best way voters can protect against irregularities is by being familiar with their rights. “Understanding your rights is very' important in the event someone tries to mess with you at the polls,” he said. “But it’s also critical that you express yourself at the polls and not leave until you do so." Indeed, Quigley added that registered voters cannot be denied their rights, especially if they fill out a provisional ballot to ensure their voice is heard. “Even if someone’s giving you a hard time, once you fill out a

provisional ballot, your vote has to be counted in the election if you are legally registered in a particular precinct,” he said. As a preventative measure, The Concerned Clergy' urges voters to take a form of identification with them to reduce the chances of complications. Appropriate forms of identification include a driver’s license, voter registration card, an ID card or a utility bill with name or address. The Voter’s Bill of Rights should be displayed at polling places. All voters are encouraged to report harassment to the ICLU immediately by calling (317) 635-4059 or the Marion County Democratic Party at (317) 637-3366.

Indianapolis City-County Councilman Monroe Gray, who is a member of the Investigative Election Committee, which was designed to investigate the policies and expenditures of the Marion County Election Board was present during the press conference. Gray holds up a copy of the Voter's Bill of Rights during the Concerned Clergy's meeting. All polling places should have a copy of the list posted. (Photo/J. Hurst) have warned voters, particularly stumbling block against voters.

those in mostly Black precincts in Center Township, to prepare for attempts to deny people their chance to vote. Joel Miller, executive director of the Marion County Democratic Party, believes Republican county election officials, inspectors and poll clerks will employ tactics to discourage or intimidate many minorities and other voters who usually support Democratic candidates. “They’re definitely up to something, and we think it’s going to manifest as challenges to voters in several precincts,” said Miller. Miller and other observers have cited a series of voting irregularities and abuses that have taken place during local elections since 2002. During the 2002 campaign many voters were instructed to provide an identification number that could have been used with devastating discretion, and county officials were caught using shady methods on voting machines to keep track of “straight-ticket” voters. Later, several precincts, many in inner city neighborhoods had to deal with faulty voting equipment and a rare shortage of ballots. In August of this year, every voter in Marion County was sent an unusual card that many feared could be used as a

“Recent history throughout the nation and in our own community tells us that we cannot afford to be lax about protecting the right to vote for all citizens, especially, but not exclusively citizens in minority and low income communities,” said Fran Quigley, director of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union (ICLU). Miller said local Democrats are committed to preventing acts of voter sabotage. “We refuse to let Marion County become the next Orange County (Florida),” said Miller. “We’re going to fight them tooth and nail and make sure they don’t steal this one.” To that end, county Democrats will have a clerk and judge in all of Marion County’s 914 precincts to guard against voter intimidation. The party will also have attorneys on the street going from precinct to precinct to make sure that the rights of voters “aren’t trampled on.” But local Black leaders say they can’t emphasize enough the importance of voting, regardless of potential challenges on the horizon. “It’s our civic responsibility to vote, regardless of our political affiliations,” said Joe Slash, president of the Indianapolis Urban League. “In addition, so many of our civil rights leaders

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SUSAN WILLIAMS FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

" A vote for me is a vote to take partisan politics out of our Hoosier Classrooms." Paid for and Authorized by Susan Williams for Indiana, Dwayne Isaacs, Tteasurer.

Deaf Voter, I have been both a teacher and a trainer of educators. Recently, I had the good fortune to impact the educahon of thousands of Hoosier students when I was asked to lead the design and construction of the new Indiana State Museum. When Governor Joe Kernan asked me to be a candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction we agreed that our priority wos to get partisan politics out of our classrooms. Hoosiers look to the Governor to address the state's educational needs. The office of Superintendent of Public Instruction needs to become an appointed position to give the Governor the ability to find the best educator, not the best politician, to lead our schools. Thanks to the hard work of Governor frank O'Bonnon, we have mode progress in student achievement in our state. But that hos occurred in spite of the politics played of the State House. For example when Governor Kernon tried to implement full day kindergorten, our current Superintendent wos faced with o choice between the politicol power brokers and the children of our state. Ultimately, she did not support the Governor. This fall, thousands of Hoosier children will not benefit from this early learning opportunity, which research hos shown hos o lasting impact on student achievement. Thirty-six states wisely do not elect their Superintendent of Public Instruction. Indiono needs to be the thirty-seventh. True educational reform must start ot the top. A vote for me is o vote to take portison politics out of our Hoosier Classrooms. Sincerely, Susan Williams

RE-ELECT GREGORY W. PORTER State Representative House District #96

RE-ELECT MAE DICKINSON State Representative House District #95

THE COMMITMENT CONTINUES V • Addressing the Education GAP • Addressing the uninsured and underinsured • Fighting for the Working Man and Woman • Fighting for Better Neighborhoods

• Advocate for Working Families • Voting Rights • Child Protection & Quality Education • Available Health Care/Prescription Drugs for Seniors

Democractic Ballot 8B

Paid for and authorized by Greg Portar for Stata Representative

Paid for and authorized by the committee to re-elect Mae Dickinson for State Representative Thelma Shaw, Treasurer