Politics & Government

NAACP of Georgia Warns Voters about Possibly Faulty Voting Machines

The Georgia State Conference (GSC) NAACP President held a press conference Thursday afternoon, releasing their findings.

On Thursday, November 1, the Georgia State Conference (GSC) NAACP President, Mr. Edward O. DuBose and the NAACP Leaders held a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol Building to warn voters about a peculiar voting machine irregularity and to speak out against β€œCharter School” Amendment HR 1162.

β€œI am deeply concerned about a voting machine error that could have prevented an experienced voter from selecting the presidential candidate of her choice,” stated DuBose. Β 

The incident occurred on Monday, October 29th at an early voting location in Macon County when an African-American voter tried to cast a vote for the incumbent President Barack Obama; but was unable to because the machine selected and β€œlocked-in” Governor Mitt Romney instead.

Find out what's happening in Cascadefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Despite making several attempts, the voter was unable to correct the problem, and decided to request the help of a poll worker. The frustrated voter indicated voting in many elections before this and knowing how to properly use Georgia voting machines but insists that the machine wasn’t working properly with respect to the presidential race. Voting for candidates in the other races was not a problem for the voter. Β 

The voting experience led to a Secretary of State inquiry that resulted in the machine’s removal from service.

Find out what's happening in Cascadefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

But President DuBose isn’t sure that the issue has been completely resolved.

β€œWe need reassurance from Secretary of State, Mr. Brian Kemp, that the previous users of the same machine haven’t been deprived of the right to select the candidate of their choice in the presidential election due to the faulty equipment,” he stated. β€œMore importantly, I want to be reassured that no other voting machines contain the same or any other defects,” stated DuBose.

During the press conference, DuBose warned voters to be vigilant at the polls and pay close attention to avoid error and detect computer malfunctions.

The NAACP has also taken a public stand against the upcoming Charter vote on Charter Schools, urging Georgians to vote against public charter school amendment HR 1162.

β€œThe amendment doesn’t pose a question about whether you support charter schools,” explained DuBose. β€œThe amendment usurps control from local voters and local school boards and gives it to state bureaucrats appointed by the Governor if passed. We just can’t afford to do that,” he warned.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Cascade