DPG Chair Jane Kidd calls on Karen Handel to extend Advance Voting period

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Jane Kidd sent the below letter to Secretary of State Karen Handel, expressing her concerns about problems with the advance voting process. With the long lines we have seen here in Bibb County and across the State, Karen Handel should do the right thing and work to extend voting hours so that all Georgians have the opportunity to vote.

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October 28, 2008

The Honorable Karen C. Handel
Secretary of State
214 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Dear Secretary Handel:

I am writing to share my concerns about the early voting process with you. I am sure that you've seen the widespread reports about long lines, six to eight hour wait times, and other major problems at the polls yesterday. As you can imagine, these shortcomings raise serious concerns for the Democratic Party, as I am sure they will for Republicans, Libertarians, and independent voters as well.

We have known for months, since before Georgia's record-setting Presidential primary in February, that turnout would be extremely high. We have known that both the Democratic and Republican parties, their candidates, and even your office itself are encouraging voters to avail themselves of advance and early voting. And, we have known since advance voting began that large numbers of voters are doing just that. I am just mystified that your elections division is seemingly so unprepared for the wave of voters we all knew was coming.

Since the voting process began, our office has received numerous reports indicating that a major source of the problem is that, in many precincts, only two computers are allotted for checking in voters and verifying their identification and eligibility. Beyond the widely-reported problems yesterday with your statewide database, we believe that the number of check-in computers is inadequate. There is simply no reason for voters to wait in line, often outside a polling place with no place for seniors or disabled persons to sit and rest, because the Elections Division failed to provide the necessary resources for a turnout that has been predicted by both the Republican and Democratic Parties, the media, outside groups, and your office itself, to be extremely heavy.

I would also like to commend those county Boards of Elections which showed leadership and initiative by moving to keep early and advance voting locations open later, and opening additional voting locations. But their leadership and initiative is not enough.

No one wants to see Georgia's failed processes become a national news story. But today, it is clear that we are in a crisis, and it is unclear even if there is enough time for the remaining four million-plus Georgia voters to cast their votes in an efficient and timely manner. With that in mind, and on behalf of the Democratic Party of Georgia, I urge you to contact the Department of Justice immediately and request clearance to keep the polls open longer during the week and over the weekend, as well as on Monday, November 3.

In closing, I am certain that you understand that the right to vote is not a partisan issue. Long lines at polling locations affect all voters, regardless of their party. I hope you will act immediately and on behalf of all of Georgia's voters to ease the strain at the polls.

With kindest regards,

Jane V. Kidd
Chair, Democratic Party of Georgia

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What a List of Supporters!

This Saturday, the DPG will elect a representative to the DNC. If you're a State Committee member, you need to be in Macon on Saturday at 1 pm to vote. While we have three wonderful women running for this position, one of the candidates, Mary Long, has an especially impressive track record and the proven ability to stand up for all Georgia Democrats. Mary has a most impressive list of supporters, and you can view a sample of them here. Many sent along their personal comments and videos about Mary. Click on the names below to read or see what these Georgia leaders had to say about Mary:



- Kathy Ashe
- Carolyn Fleming Hugley
- Heidi Davison
- Gail Buckner
- Hattie Dorsey
- Melita Easters
- Lauren Benedict
- Jenna Moore
- Amy Morton
- Daryl Morton
- Rev. Kathy Morris
- Patty Payne

Here's a quote from just one of these supporters:

As an experienced, effective and highly respected communicator, Mary Long will represent Georgia well at the DNC. She will bring energy, experience and great wisdom to her role in strengthening the relationship between the state party and the national headquarters. She will be a strong advocate for rebuilding the southern grassroots of the party and for insuring that the importance of the south is not forgotten as the 2008 campaign season plans are made.
Mary Long is a dedicated Democrat, a compassionate and committed civic leader and a woman who would make Georgia proud as she represents the state on the Democratic National Committee. I urge you to support her.

Melita Easters

Founding Chair, Georgia’s WIN List

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Lauren Benedict Stands Up for Mary Long

See what Lauren Benedict, DPG State Committee member and soon-to-be Macon City Councilwoman, has to say about Mary Long's candidacy for DNC representative. This position will be elected at the State Committee meeting in Macon on Aug. 4th.

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