Barrar Renews Calls for Voter Intimidation Investigation
HARRISBURG – Amidst reports that one of the same members of the New Black Panther Party (NBPP) accused of voter intimidation at a Philadelphia polling place during the 2008 elections was present at the same polling place during the Nov. 2, 2010, General Election, Rep. Stephen E. Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware) is renewing his calls for an investigation into the 2008 incident.
“The right to speak our minds in free and open elections is one of our core American principles,” said Barrar. “I take these allegations of voter intimidation very seriously, and I will continue to pursue this issue because all voters should feel safe when entering the polls to exercise their right to vote.”
The 2008 incident, during which the aforementioned member of the NBPP wielded a nightstick and claimed to be “security,” was caught on tape. There have not been any voter intimidation allegations resulting from the recent election, but Barrar believes the 2008 incident was never properly resolved.
Barrar’s House Resolution 982 calls on the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation to:
· Review the acts of the U.S. Justice Department in the matter relating to voter intimidation by persons and groups, and especially by the NBPP.
· Introduce legislation requiring U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez to investigate this matter and issue a report as to why the case was concluded.
· Conduct a further investigation and audit of the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department to establish whether its policies and procedures are race neutral.
· Demand the Justice Department comply with subpoenas issued by the Commission on Civil Rights and continue the investigation, further exploring the statements made by attorney Christopher Coates during his testimony before Congress.
· Urge the Justice Department to pursue all available civil and criminal remedies against all defendants in this matter to resolve the outstanding issues regarding this alleged act of voter intimidation.
The resolution is before the House State Government Committee. Barrar noted he also intends to reintroduce the legislation next session when Republicans have control of the Pennsylvania House, Senate and governor’s office.
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