State election officials say they will not tolerate voter intimidation

State election officials are putting out a warning saying they will not tolerate intimidation at the polls.

News 12 Staff

Oct 15, 2020, 10:09 PM

Updated 1,519 days ago

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State election officials are putting out a warning saying they will not tolerate intimidation at the polls.
"I want everyone in this state to understand and know that this election is going to be fair. It's going to be safe. It's going to be transparent, and it's going to be accurate," said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.
President Donald Trump is not buying that.
"I'm urging my supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully because that's what has to happen. I am urging them to do it," he said last Tuesday.
Recently, the state Republican party asked supporters to Defend Your Ballot by "cover(ing) every polling place with ... volunteers."
In Connecticut, there are strict limits about who can watch the polls.
"We do have 'checkers,' unofficial 'checkers' that are appointed by parties to come in and get the lists and take them to headquarters and that sort of thing," said Denise Merrill, Connecticut secretary of the state.
The state attorney general says voter intimidation will not be tolerated.
"No, you can't block somebody's way. No, you can't harass or intimidate them. You can't do any of that. That's against the law," said Tong.
The state is taking it so seriously that a new memo reminds local election officials that police can protect any polling place where they expect trouble.
"I think you always want to be prepared for any eventuality. And I think that one of the things that State's Attorney Colangelo is attempting to do is to reach out to our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, and just have those discussions," said Deputy Chief State's Attorney Kevin Lawlor.
State election officials say they have no indication of trouble and they're not expecting any. But if there is, the chief state's attorney's office says they will prosecute anyone who goes and intimidates voters.