If you are will be voting in a Democratic area of a Republican controlled state, you can count on experiencing long lines with hours of waiting. Republicans are doing everything they can to keep you from voting. However, I came across a new Republican tactic so egregious that it boggles the mind.
During the 2012 presidential election, voters reportedly waited on line for upwards of six hours. That wait alone is enough to deter would-be voters from going to the polls. But now residents in Florida’s most populous county will have another disincentive: they won’t be able to go to the bathroom.
Earlier this year, the Miami-Dade County Elections Department quietly implemented a policy to close the bathrooms at all polling facilities, according to disability rights lawyer Marc Dubin. Dubin said the policy change was in “direct response” to an inquiry to the Elections Department about whether they had assessed accessibility of polling place bathrooms to those with disabilities.
“I was expecting them to say either yes we have or yes we will,” Dubin said.
Instead, he received a written response announcing that the county would close all restrooms at polling places “to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not treated unfairly,” a January email stated. “[T]he Department’s policy is not to permit access to restrooms at polling sites on election days,” Assistant County Attorney Shanika Graves said in a Feb. 14 email. Elections Department officials did not immediately respond to ThinkProgress inquiries.
Dubin said he was “shocked” at this response, and not just because it suppresses the vote for everybody. The Americans with Disabilities Act also requires entities to make “reasonable accommodations” to those with disabilities. For those with a number of conditions, including diabetics and those taking diuretics, closing the restroom will make standing in that line impossible, and thus discriminate against disabled voters… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <Think Progress>
Once upon a time, Only the Larry Craig Wing of the Republican Party wanted to get you into the bathroom. If this spreads, as bad Republican ideas always do, Republicans will be trying to get you to get you to into the bathroom to get you out of the voting lines.
Here’s where to go on Election Day. Go on a Republican. 😉
16 Responses to “Where to Go on Election Day”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
This is beyond disgusting! If they want to stop people voting then that must make everyone all the more determined to vote! Take folding chairs and a picnic (no alcohol – don't want to give them an excuse not to let you in), play parlour games to pass the time – and don't let them beat you – or they will be beating you for decades to come!
They have truly lost their minds. Is it sunstroke?
It does figure that the genius who made this decision is an apointee. In the 2 counties where the positions are filled by elections, Broward and Palm Beach, the rule will not be enforced and everyone can actually use a bathroom if need be. Smart decision if you want to keep you seat. (pun intended)
Why aren't the feds going after them for this stuff? How blatant do the vote-suppression scams have to get before they take action?
I'm sure they will. This is brand new..
Talk about your "Trickle Down" policies … After all, some had to wait SIX HOURS in line to vote in Florida.
Next they'll ban umbrellas if it rains, because the disabled may not be able to open an umbrella.
OK – they've proven they're idiots. But I predict this will be amended to reflect some common sense.
Tinkle Down 😉
Pat A's suggestion to have a picnic is wonderful, but doesn't go far enough. Folding chairs? How about folding potty chairs? And I'm wanting to say make sure the picnic includes asparagus and plenty of fiber. Of course that could cause the voters themselves to suffer also, and it's up to them whether they think it's worth it. But they could really make a stink about this literally if they choose.
How about a porta-potty hat on every Republican? 😀
Why am I not surprised that Florida would do this? Nevermind the thousands of elderly who live there who might want to vote and have weak bladders. Surely someone will change this one. Yuck.
This is so lame-assed! Anybody who can't see through this is 3 fries short of a Happy Meal! Everybody is treated unfairly to ensure more problems at polling stations, and fewer votes for Democrats. I think there needs to be a 'johnny on the spot'!
I saw a petition on this issue which just popped up, I think on Daily Kos but I couldn't find it when I went back.
Thanks everyone. I have no doubt this will be successfully challenges quickly, but it serves as an example of the kind of fascist tyrrany that will stand, unless we prevent Republicans from taking power.
PETITION on "bathrooms" during election voting:
KOS: http://campaigns.dailykos.com/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=857&tag=041014splash3
Thanks Jim for posting this. I had already signed but when I went to post it, I couldn't find it on Daily Kos.
Signed, Thanks Jim… 🙄
I'll piss behind a tree… 😆